Government begins Fresh Bid to Purchase Electric Buses

Jul 23, 2020 0 1 minutes 46 seconds to read

July 23: The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport is preparing to issue tender process to purchase electric buses.…

Landslides, Floods Obstruct Different Highways

Jul 22, 2020 0 1 minutes 54 seconds to read

July 22: Incessant rainfall since the last few days has triggered landslides, obstructing dozens of roads and highways.…

State-owned JEMC to Print Excise Duty Stickers

Jul 22, 2020 0 2 minutes 5 seconds to read

July 22: The government has decided to give the contract of printing excise duty stickers to the state-owned Janak Education Materials Centre (JEMC) Limited.…

Exporters allowed to take back Black Peppers held at Checkpoints

Jul 22, 2020 0 1 minutes 52 seconds to read

July 22: The government has allowed exporters to take back their shipments of black pepper held at Birgunj Dry Port and Indian…

Drug Manufacturers Defer Protest Programmes

Jul 22, 2020 0 2 minutes 41 seconds to read

July 22: The agitating drug manufacturers of Nepal have postponed their protest programmes after the Ministry of Health and Population formed an advisory committee to address their…

Government Lifts Lockdown, Some Restriction to Remain in Force

Jul 22, 2020 0 3 minutes 22 seconds to read

July 22: The government has announced lifting of the lockdown which was imposed since March 24 to contain the spread of…

Long-Route Vehicles to Operate from August 17

Jul 22, 2020 0 58 seconds to read

July 22: The government has decided to allow operation of long-route vehicles from August…

Cargo Vehicles Stranded in Rasuwagadhi due to Rainfall

Jul 21, 2020 0 2 minutes 10 seconds to read

July 21: Rasuwagadhi transit point, which had reopened just two weeks ago after nearly five months of closure due to coronavirus, is facing obstruction once…

Nepal Telecom to Provide Utility Payment Service

Jul 21, 2020 0 3 minutes 49 seconds to read

July 21: Nepal Rastra Bank has given letter of intent (LOI) to Nepal Telecom to operate payment service (mobile money) including utility payment…

Transport Entrepreneurs to Resume Service from July 22

Jul 21, 2020 0 1 minutes 55 seconds to read

July 21: Transport entrepreneurs have reached an understanding with the government to resume public transportation service from Wednesday (July 22).…

Foreign Exporters Demand Release of Goods Held at Customs Points

Jul 21, 2020 0 2 minutes 0 seconds to read

July 21: Foreign exporters have appealed to the Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad to facilitate the release of large quantity of dry fruits, peas, pepper, betel nuts and dates that are currently stopped in ports in Nepal and…

Government Gives the Nod to Resume Air Service from August 17

Jul 21, 2020 0 2 minutes 20 seconds to read

July 21: The government has decided to resume air service almost after a month from August…

Government Launches Youth Employment Project in Collaboration with World Bank

Jul 21, 2020 0 3 minutes 35 seconds to read

July 21: The government on Monday (July 20) launched the ‘Youth Employment Transformation Initiative’ project in collaboration with the World…

FDI Pledges worth Rs 39 Billion in Last Fiscal Year

Jul 21, 2020 0 1 minutes 28 seconds to read

July 21: Foreign investors pledged investment of around Rs 39 billion to as many as 226 industries in Nepal in the last fiscal year, according to the Department of…

NAC Decides to Ground Chinese Aircraft

Jul 20, 2020 0 2 minutes 35 seconds to read

July 20: Nepal Airlines Corporation has decided to stop using Chinese aircraft from July 30 after incurring losses regularly.…

< previous607608609610611612613614615next >

No Laughing Matter

The Sweet Rewards of Power

By Madan Lamsal

. . .
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NEPSE

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			'id' => '12217',
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			'title' => 'Government begins Fresh Bid to Purchase Electric Buses ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 23: The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport is preparing to issue tender process to purchase electric buses. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">July 23: The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport is preparing to issue tender process to purchase electric buses. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Earlier, the ministry had scrapped with Sajha Yatayat for the purchase and issued a public notice to bus manufacturers and distributors to submit details of battery operated electric bus by June end. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">According to the ministry, among the 41 companies that have submitted the specifications of electric bus, most are Chinese companies and five of them are Indian companies. As per the specifications provided by those companies, the process for the tender of electric bus is being initiated. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The government had decided to buy 300 electric buses in December 2018 through a cabinet meeting. The government had also announced to operate electric buses in Kathmandu from April 2019 and the responsibility of purchasing the buses was given to Sajha Yatayat in mid July 2019. In addition, Rs 3 billion was also disbursed. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">However, within the three months, the ministry issued a notice to Sajha to stop the purchase of the buses stating that it could not purchase the bus within the stipulated time and as per the criteria set by the government. In February 2020, the responsibility was given to the ministry. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Since then, the ministry has been working to issue tender bids for 300 buses at a time. However, the process was halted due to a nationwide lockdown to control the coronavirus infection. </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'title' => 'Landslides, Floods Obstruct Different Highways',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 22: Incessant rainfall since the last few days has triggered landslides, obstructing dozens of roads and highways. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">July 22: Incessant rainfall since the last few days has triggered landslides, obstructing dozens of roads and highways. </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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">Prithvi Highway, which connects the capital Kathmandu with the rest of the country, has been obstructed by landslides in various places. Some sections of different highways have been swept away by floods. Massive floods have also washed away concrete bridges as well as Bailey bridges in some places. </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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">Transportation has come to a complete halt in some highways.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The Department of Roads has said it will take some more time to resume transportation along the Jogimara-Mawakhola road section of Prithvi Highway due to obstructions created by flood and landslides. The department has urged the transporters to use Tribhuvan Highway and BP Highway as alternative routes to supply goods to the capital.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The Narayanghat-Mugling road section, which was obstructed due to landslide in Kalikhola area, has been reopened. But the road only serves one-way traffic at the moment.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">Director General at the Department of Roads Keshav Kumar Sharma said that although they are working to clear the debris, they are unable to reopen some roads because the floods have swept bridges in some areas while chunks of road section have also been swept away elsewhere. He said that they will not be able to repair the roads in some places unless the level or water recedes and the rainfall comes to a halt.</span></span></span></span></p>
',
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			'created' => '2020-07-22',
			'modified' => '2020-07-22',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11961',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12213',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'State-owned JEMC to Print Excise Duty Stickers',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 22: The government has decided to give the contract of printing excise duty stickers to the state-owned Janak Education Materials Centre (JEMC) Limited. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">July 22: The government has decided to give the contract of printing excise duty stickers to the state-owned Janak Education Materials Centre (JEMC) Limited. </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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The took such decision as the excise duty stickers started running out of stock.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The finance ministry agreed to the proposal of Inland Revenue Department to print the stickers, which are primarily used in alcoholic and tobacco products, at JEMC. </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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The department proposed handing the responsibility to JSSK as they are running out of time to issue global tender.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">This is not the first time JEMC has been given such responsibility. Earlier, the stickers printed by the state-owned organisation was found to be of sub-standard. Therefore, the government later chose foreign company 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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">An official at the department said that they have decided to give the contract to JEMC for the time being and will side-by-side also&nbsp; issue global tender. The department has also formed a study committee to initiate the procurement process. The committee will present its report within 15 days and the department will take action according, said the source requesting anonymity.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The government had been printing 40 different kinds of stickers in foreign countries through global tender process. However, the process has been halted after a parliamentary committee initiated a probe into alleged irregularities in the procurement process. The house panel has been discussing whether to hand the contract to foreign company or to print the stickers in the country itself since a long time.</span></span></span></span></p>
',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12211',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Exporters allowed to take back Black Peppers held at Checkpoints',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 22: The government has allowed exporters to take back their shipments of black pepper held at Birgunj Dry Port and Indian ports.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">July 22: The government has allowed exporters to take back their shipments of black pepper held at Birgunj Dry Port and Indian ports.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies on Tuesday decided to let the exporters take back the black peppers brought without prior permission from the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">At present, almost 1,000 containers of unauthorized food items have been held at the check points following the government directive to restrict the import of chickpeas, black pepper, betel nuts and dates on April 30. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Nawaraj Dhakal informed that the ministry has decided to allow exporters to take back the containers of black pepper shipped to Nepal before the ban was imposed. However, the exporters have to complete some formal procedures, the secretary added. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The containers have been stuck in the port of Kolkata and Visakhapatnam for three months after the Birgunj Dry Port Customs stopped issuing the inspection pass. The ministry has allowed the exporters only to take back black pepper among the consignments.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Joint Secretary Dhakal informed that the exporters have been directed to make arrangements ensuring that foreign currency is not misappropriated while taking back the pepper.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The ministry has forwarded the notice to the Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection Department as well as the Department of Customs regarding the decision. Consignments imported without prior permission have been stopped at the border check points while those brought before the ban were allowed to enter.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'description' => '',
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12209',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Drug Manufacturers Defer Protest Programmes',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 22: The agitating drug manufacturers of Nepal have postponed their protest programmes after the Ministry of Health and Population formed an advisory committee to address their demands.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">July 22: The agitating drug manufacturers of Nepal have postponed their protest programmes after the Ministry of Health and Population formed an advisory committee to address their demands.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The Association of Pharmaceutical Producers of Nepal (APPON) on Tuesday (July 21) decided to defer all protest programmes after the ministry formed the three-member committee headed by joint secretary Dr Bikas Devkota.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">Director General of the Department of Drug Administration Narayan Prasad Dhakal and president of APPON Narayan Bahadur Chhetri have been appointed members of the committee.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">Chhetri informed New Business Age that they postponed their protest programmes for the time being after the ministry formed the committee to address their demands.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">&ldquo;It is not appropriate to organize protest programmes while we are holding discussion with the government,&rdquo; said Chhetri, adding, &ldquo;So, we have decided to postpone the protest programmes for some days from Tuesday.&rdquo;</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The committee is currently studying the demands of the drug manufacturers of Nepal. Director General of DDA Dhakal informed that they are discussing about the demands of the drug manufacturers.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">&ldquo;So far, the committee is involved in discussions. The ministry will take necessary decision based on the recommendation of the committee,&rdquo; said Dhakal.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The committee is likely to submit its recommendation to Health Minister Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal on July 22, according to APPON President Chhetri.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">&ldquo;The ministry has agreed to some of our demands. But other demands are yet to be addressed,&rdquo; said Chhetri. He warned that they would resume their protest if the committee forwards the recommendations without addressing their demands.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">One of the major demands of the drug manufacturers is that the government must ban the import of drugs that are produced in significant quantity in Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2020-07-22',
			'modified' => '2020-07-22',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11957',
			'image' => '20200722125043_1595369813.Clipboard06.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-07-22 12:47:43',
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12206',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Lifts Lockdown, Some Restriction to Remain in Force',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 22: The government has announced lifting of the lockdown which was imposed since March 24 to contain the spread of coronavirus.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">July 22: The government has announced lifting of the lockdown which was imposed since March 24 to contain the spread 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">A cabinet meeting on Monday decided to end the lockdown effective from Tuesday midnight (July 21).</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">Government spokesperson Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada, who holds the portfolio of finance and communication ministries, formally announced the government decision amid a programme on Tuesday.</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">&ldquo;The government has decided to end the lockdown from Tuesday midnight&hellip;.. Despite the lifting of the lockdown, Nepal&rsquo;s international borders will remain closed till August 16,&rdquo; said minister Khatiwada.</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 lockdown imposed by the government since March 24 was extended time and again and was fully enforced until June 8. Then onward, the government eased the lockdown to some extent, allowing shops to reopen and private vehicles to ply on 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">The government has also decided to allow hotels and restaurants to operate from July 30 onward. The hotel industry is completely closed due to the effects of coronavirus while restaurants are providing limited services. Although the government has decided to allow hotels to operate from next week, ban on mass gatherings and parties will still remain in force, informed Khatiwada.</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 government has also decided to allow schools to take admission of students and hold examinations&nbsp; from August 17. Schools and educational institutions will be allowed to run educational programmes by maintaining safety standards and necessary precaution. However, the government is yet to decide on resuming classes altogether.</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">Although the lockdown has ended, the government has urged the public to adopt necessary precautions while some activities will remain banned for the time being. </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">Educational institutions, tuition centres, cinema halls, dance bar, saloons and beauty parlours, swimming pools and religious sites will remain closed while public gathering is also banned.</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">Meanwhile, the government has decided to allow trekking and travel agencies to operate their business keeping in mind the tourism season.</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 government has also decided to resume domestic and international flights from August 17. Likewise, transport entrepreneurs will be allowed to operate long-route vehicles from the same date (August 17).</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 odd-even number system has also been scrapped and all kinds of vehicles will be allowed to operate from Wednesday onward.</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">However, entry into Nepal from neighbouring countries will be prohibited until August 16 unless there is any urgency.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2020-07-22',
			'modified' => '2020-07-22',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11954',
			'image' => '20200722115413_1595368592.Clipboard02.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-07-22 11:53:38',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12210',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Long-Route Vehicles to Operate from August 17 ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 22: The government has decided to allow operation of long-route vehicles from August 17.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Devanagari Sangam MN&quot;">July 22: </span><span style="font-family:Arial">The government has decided to allow operation of long-route vehicles from August 17.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:Arial">Government&nbsp; spokesperson Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada made the announcement on Tuesday following a cabinet meeting on Monday. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:Arial">Meanwhile, the odd-even number system on vehicles has been lifted from Tuesday. All kinds of vehicles can now operate without any hindrance.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:Arial">The cabinet meeting has also ended the two shifts of work in government offices.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:Arial">Minister Khatiwada, who holds the portfolio of finance and communication ministries, informed that the government will facilitate in normalizing the situation in the coming days.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'created' => '2020-07-22',
			'modified' => '2020-07-22',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11953',
			'image' => '20200722015124_20171109120628_20171108035347_busbus.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-07-22 13:50:28',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12205',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Cargo Vehicles Stranded in Rasuwagadhi due to Rainfall ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: Rasuwagadhi transit point, which had reopened just two weeks ago after nearly five months of closure due to coronavirus, is facing obstruction once again.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">July 21: Rasuwagadhi transit point, which had reopened just two weeks ago after nearly five months of closure due to coronavirus, is facing obstruction once again.</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">This time it is because of monsoon. Landslides triggered by heavy rainfall has not only stranded cargo vehicles but also delayed clearance of Nepal-bound 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:Arial">Chief of Rasuwagadhi Customs Point, Punya Bikram Khadka, informed that they are facing difficulty in loading goods from the border area due to incessant rainfall since the last three days. </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">He further said that they are unable to clear more than 50 percent goods that have been loaded from across the border. According to Khadka, mostly cargo vehicles carrying electronic goods and clothes have been stranded in the border area.</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">This customs point, which collects revenue of around Rs 10 million in an average day, has not been able to collect any amount in the last few days due to obstruction created by rainfall. </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">Khadka informed that there is no provision at the customs point to protect goods from rain. </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">&ldquo;We are facing problems because we have to unload goods in a narrow area and the give clearance. We are making effort to sort&nbsp; out the problem,&rdquo; he said.</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">Customs chief Khadka said they are consulting with Chinese authorities for proper management of clearance 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:Arial">He informed that more than 100 containers of goods have entered Nepal in two weeks since the border opened. </span></span></span></span></p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2020-07-21',
			'modified' => '2020-07-21',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11952',
			'image' => '20200721032617_1595263977.rasuwagadhi.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-07-21 15:25:23',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12203',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Nepal Telecom to Provide Utility Payment Service ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: Nepal Rastra Bank has given letter of intent (LOI) to Nepal Telecom to operate payment service (mobile money) including utility payment service.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">July 21: Nepal Rastra Bank has given letter of intent (LOI) to Nepal Telecom to operate payment service (mobile money) including utility payment service. The central bank has paved way for Nepal Telecom to operate such service after an agreement in principle between the two organisations.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Nepal Telecom had filed an application with NRB a year ago to operate payment service in collaboration with Rastriya Banijya Bank (RBB). Nepal Telecom spokesperson Rajesh Joshi said that they have received the LOI from NRB and the necessary process for the operation of the service has been initiated. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">To provide the utility payment service, Nepal Telecom and RBB must establish a separate company with their joint investment. Nepal Telecom needs to file another application within six months for final approval after managing necessary infrastructure for the new venture.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">NRB will then conduct necessary study such as the company&rsquo;s staff, software and other issues and give final approval for the operation within a month. NRB says Nepal Telecom can operate the new service only after fulfilling all the criteria.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The paid-up capital of the joint-venture company, where the majority shares will be of Nepal Telecom, has to be Rs 1 billion. Spokesperson Joshi said that the company will be registered within a week. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&ldquo;We have already started the process to establish the joint venture company. Probably, the company will be registered within a week,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;Then we will make necessary arrangement for infrastructure such as installing software, setting up office and visit central bank for final approval.&rdquo; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">This new service is a kind of digital wallet. Customers will be able to make various payments through a mobile application by registering their mobile number and account number of RBB. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">There will also be a top-up service. According to Nepal Telecom, all types of transactions can be done through the app. RBB will have its role in amount settlement. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Telecommunication companies are working as a payment service provider in abroad. In some countries, telecom companies are ahead of banks in this regard. This is the first time in Nepal that a payment service has been launched under the leadership of a telecom company.&nbsp; For this, Nepal Telecom has already completed all necessary procedures. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Managing Director of the Nepal Telecom, Dilliram Adhikari, said this new service will provide accessibility of digital transaction to the people of rural areas as well. &ldquo;Nepal Telecom has reached to the places where banking service is not yet available,&rdquo; he said adding, &ldquo;In this regard, it is expected that it will be easier to provide them banking services.&rdquo; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">He further said the mobile money service is being launched with the objective of increasing financial inclusion and access to digital transaction. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&ldquo;While we have a nationwide network, RBB has a long experience in the financial sector,&rdquo; he said, adding, &ldquo;We can operate the service effectively by using two pillars.&rdquo; Adhikari also said that the service would be more reliable as both Nepal Telecom and RBB are government-owned companies. </span></span></span></p>
',
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			'modified' => '2020-07-21',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11951',
			'image' => '20200721022343_1595282477.Clipboard05.jpg',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12204',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Transport Entrepreneurs to Resume Service from July 22 ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: Transport entrepreneurs have reached an understanding with the government to resume public transportation service from Wednesday (July 22). ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">July 21: Transport entrepreneurs have reached an understanding with the government to resume public transportation service from Wednesday (July 22). </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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Transport entrepreneurs made such announcement following a meeting with the Director General of the Department of Transport Management Gogan Bahadur Hamal on Monday. The two sides discussed about the work procedure on resuming public transportation service. During the meeting, DoTM agreed to bear 50 percent premium for the insurance coverage of those involved in transportation service. DoTM, on behalf of the government, agreed to pay 50 percent insurance premium against coronavirus for drivers and helpers of public vehicles. Government authorities also agreed to recommending setting up a fund for providing relief to drivers and helpers in case they die of coronavirus. Following the understanding, the transport entrepreneurs agreed to resume their service from Wednesday.</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Although the government had decided to lift a ban on public transport last week, some transport entrepreneurs and workers&rsquo; union had decided not to resume service without getting assurance from the government. They were demanding security of frontline workers and relief during the lockdown period as a precondition for resuming their service.</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The transport entrepreneurs showed flexibility in resuming service after a meeting with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Their concerns were also addressed by the monetary policy for the upcoming fiscal year. However, they were still reluctant to resume service outright due to the security of drivers and helpers. &nbsp;&nbsp;</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Meanwhile, DoTM has assured the transport entrepreneurs that it will take initiative to resume long-route vehicles as well. </span></span></span></span></p>
',
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			'created' => '2020-07-21',
			'modified' => '2020-07-21',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11950',
			'image' => '20200721030826_1595264681.yatayat.jpg',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12202',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Foreign Exporters Demand Release of Goods Held at Customs Points',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: Foreign exporters have appealed to the Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad to facilitate the release of large quantity of dry fruits, peas, pepper, betel nuts and dates that are currently stopped in ports in Nepal and India.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">July 21: Foreign exporters have appealed to the Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad to facilitate the release of large quantity of dry fruits, peas, pepper, betel nuts and dates that are currently stopped in ports in Nepal and India. </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:Calibri">The exporters have written letter to the Nepali Embassy in Canada requesting to facilitate the release of the goods after not receiving payment from Nepali importers.</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:Calibri">Companies including Marina Commodities of Canada, Agrocrop International, Swiss Singapore Canada, PKT Associates have requested Bhrigu Dhungana, Nepal&rsquo;s Ambassador to Canada, for supporting them to clear the goods from the ports and for the clearance of dues. &nbsp;&nbsp;Nepali importers have been importing chick peas from these companies.</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:Calibri">The payment for these goods have been stopped after the customs offices halted the inspection of the goods. The Department of Customs informed that it had stopped the inspection because the importers had imported the goods without the prior approval of the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control. </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:Calibri">However, the importers complain that the payment of more than a dozen exporters have been withheld due to the delay in inspection by the government authorities.</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:Calibri">The government had banned the import of chick peas, betel nuts, dates and pepper on April 30.</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:Calibri">The Birgunj Dry Port has suspended the inspection of 500 containers for almost three months citing lack of prior approval from the Food Department. Importers suggest that additional 500 containers are stranded at the container freight station in Indian ports.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11949',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12199',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Gives the Nod to Resume Air Service from August 17',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: The government has decided to resume air service almost after a month from August 17.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">July 21: </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The government has decided to resume air service almost after a month from August 17. A cabinet meeting on Monday (July 20) decided to resume both domestic and international flights. </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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The Council of Ministers has endorsed the proposal to instruct the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation to start necessary homework to this effect.</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yogesh Bhattarai confirmed that cabinet has assigned the ministry to take required measures to resume air service, which has been halted since the government imposed lockdown on March 24.</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The ministry had earlier sent a proposal to the Covid-19 Crisis Management Centre to resume domestic flights from August 5 and international flights from August 17. However, the cabinet decided to resume both domestic and international flights from August 17.</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The cabinet meeting also decided to ease the lockdown measures. The government has been extending the lockdown time and again to contain the spread of coronavirus. The current lockdown expires this Wednesday (July 22).</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Earlier, the government had decided to resume transportation service within the districts. The latest decision of cabinet also allows phase-wise opening of inter-district transportation from now onward.</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Meanwhile, CCMC had presented a proposal &nbsp;to the cabinet on Sunday requesting a review of ban on transportation, tourism business, operation of hotels, schools and a clamp down on sports activities based on new assessment of Covid-19 situation. As per the recommendation, the government has agreed to ease the lockdown measures. However, the government is yet to announce the new model of lockdown. Informed sources said that the government spokesperson will shed light on the latest decision during a regular press meet. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'sortorder' => '11948',
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			'article_date' => '2020-07-21 11:53:49',
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12201',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Launches Youth Employment Project in Collaboration with World Bank ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: The government on Monday (July 20) launched the ‘Youth Employment Transformation Initiative’ project in collaboration with the World Bank.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">July 21: The government on Monday (July 20) launched the &lsquo;Youth Employment Transformation Initiative&rsquo; project in collaboration with the World Bank.</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 World Bank said in a joint statement that Minister for Labor, Employment and Social Security Rameshwor Raya Yadav and World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, Faris Hadad-Zervos jointly launched the project amid a function on July 20. </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">Financed by the World Bank to promote domestic employment, the project will enable poor and vulnerable youth gain access to employment, skills development and capacity building opportunities, the statement said. </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">Aligned with the Prime Minister Employment Program, the $120 million project will be implemented over the next four years with a focus on improving employment services and labor market outcomes, especially for youth.</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">&ldquo;With the onset of COVID-19 and the subsequent contraction of the global job market, Nepal&rsquo;s labor market is also affected with a huge number of job losses. In this context, result-driven implementation of the project at all three levels of the government is of critical importance,&rdquo; the statement quoted Labour Minister Yadav as saying. </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">&ldquo;This project plays a crucial role to expand the employment opportunities in the domestic labor market and to set up an automated system of Labor Information Bank and upgrade the Employment Management Information System<em> </em>by consolidating basic labor market information such as profile of the unemployed persons including knowledge, skills, experience and the potential sector for employment along with the demand and supply aspects of the labor market,&rdquo; added Minister Yadav thanking the development partner for the continual support in the internal labor market strategy of Nepal. </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">World Bank&rsquo;s Country Director for Nepal Hadad-Zervos said that </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">the project funding is being frontloaded this year to support over 75,000 of the most vulnerable unemployed youth at the local level as part of the World Bank&rsquo;s COVID-19 response. He added that this project would help the unemployed youth to earn 100 days of wages each through the creation of temporary employment opportunities in the maintenance and upgrading of public infrastructure.</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">&ldquo;Working with the government, development partners and the private sector, the&nbsp;World Bank&nbsp;will seek to contribute to a long thread of engagements that align to make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable people,&rdquo; Hadad-Zervos said.</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 project agreement was signed in November 2019 by the Government of Nepal and the World Bank. Of the $120 million credit, about 90 percent is allocated to the local levels to create jobs in the maintenance and upgrading of public infrastructure and public services for 100,000 unemployed youth, 60% of whom will be women as per the project&rsquo;s priority to inclusion. </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">According to the World Bank, the project will support 753 Employment Service Centers at the local levels to strengthen the workforce and to provide services in registration, profiling, referral, temporary work placement and on-the-job training. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12200',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'FDI Pledges worth Rs 39 Billion in Last Fiscal Year',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: Foreign investors pledged investment of around Rs 39 billion to as many as 226 industries in Nepal in the last fiscal year, according to the Department of Industries.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">July 21: Foreign investors pledged investment of around Rs 39 billion to as many as 226 industries in Nepal in the last fiscal year, according to the Department of Industries.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Majority of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) was committed by Chinese firms. Firms from China pledged to invest Rs 25.57 billion for 174 industries followed by India standing at Rs 3.57 billion for 16 industries, informed Spokesperson Binod Kumar Khadka.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Khadka further shared that more than 17 countries abroad had pledged to invest in 226 industries. Among the commitments received for investment, service sector has received the highest investment, informed Khadka. &nbsp;More than Rs 11 billion has been pledged for 73 industries in service sector.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Similarly, 81 industries in the tourism sector have received commitment of over Rs 10 billion. Likewise, over Rs 70 billion was pledged for information and technology sector involving 37 industries.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">A total of 277 new enterprises were registered in the last fiscal year. The total capital of those newly registered enterprises was over Rs 152 billion. <em>(RSS)</em></span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12197',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NAC Decides to Ground Chinese Aircraft',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 20: Nepal Airlines Corporation has decided to stop using Chinese aircraft from July 30 after incurring losses regularly. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">July 20: Nepal Airlines Corporation has decided to stop using Chinese aircraft from July 30 after incurring losses regularly. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The flag carrier of Nepal currently has four Y-12 and two MA-60 Chinese-made aircraft. MA-60 has a capacity to carry 56 passengers while the Y-12 is an 18-seater aircraft used for domestic flights.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Stating that the state-owned aircraft company of Nepal has been incurring losses regularly while operating these aircraft, NAC decided to stop using them altogether. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">A board meeting of NAC recently decided to halt the operation of the Chinese aircraft, said a source informed about the matter. According to the source, the board assessed that NAC has incurred losses worth Rs 1.9 billion from Fiscal Year 2071/72 to FY 2075/76 while operating the Chinese aircraft. Fearing that the airline company would face further losses if it continues using the Chinese aircraft, the board decided to stop their operation. NAC estimates the losses will climb to Rs 2.3 billion in the current fiscal year. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The board meeting concluded that it is not profitable to operate Chinese aircraft because of the cost factor. The insurance premium for these aircraft is 35 percent more than other aircraft while the pilots are not easily available. As the company has to produce the pilots itself, the cost becomes more expensive than operating Airbus 320, the board noted. Therefore, the board decided to stop the operation of the Chinese aircraft, the source said on condition of anonymity.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Similarly, the spare parts of these aircraft are 75 percent more expensive that other aircraft. On the other hand, it takes a long time for delivery of the spare parts of these aircraft.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">According to the NAC source, both the aircraft lack instructor pilots and the training for such aircraft costs four times higher than normal training.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">In the meantime, the fuel consumption of the Chinese aircraft is double than other aircraft.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">A board member of NAC informed that the national flag carrier of Nepal cannot operate the aircraft and therefore decided to ground them. The board member said that they have written a letter to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation that it is not commercially viable to operate these aircraft.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The NAC board has been discussing this issue since the last 20 board meetings but has not been able to decide on proper management of these aircraft. Now, it is up to the government to decide the next step, the board member said.</span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12217',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government begins Fresh Bid to Purchase Electric Buses ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 23: The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport is preparing to issue tender process to purchase electric buses. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">July 23: The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport is preparing to issue tender process to purchase electric buses. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Earlier, the ministry had scrapped with Sajha Yatayat for the purchase and issued a public notice to bus manufacturers and distributors to submit details of battery operated electric bus by June end. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">According to the ministry, among the 41 companies that have submitted the specifications of electric bus, most are Chinese companies and five of them are Indian companies. As per the specifications provided by those companies, the process for the tender of electric bus is being initiated. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The government had decided to buy 300 electric buses in December 2018 through a cabinet meeting. The government had also announced to operate electric buses in Kathmandu from April 2019 and the responsibility of purchasing the buses was given to Sajha Yatayat in mid July 2019. In addition, Rs 3 billion was also disbursed. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">However, within the three months, the ministry issued a notice to Sajha to stop the purchase of the buses stating that it could not purchase the bus within the stipulated time and as per the criteria set by the government. In February 2020, the responsibility was given to the ministry. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Since then, the ministry has been working to issue tender bids for 300 buses at a time. However, the process was halted due to a nationwide lockdown to control the coronavirus infection. </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '12214',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Landslides, Floods Obstruct Different Highways',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 22: Incessant rainfall since the last few days has triggered landslides, obstructing dozens of roads and highways. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">July 22: Incessant rainfall since the last few days has triggered landslides, obstructing dozens of roads and highways. </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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">Prithvi Highway, which connects the capital Kathmandu with the rest of the country, has been obstructed by landslides in various places. Some sections of different highways have been swept away by floods. Massive floods have also washed away concrete bridges as well as Bailey bridges in some places. </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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">Transportation has come to a complete halt in some highways.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The Department of Roads has said it will take some more time to resume transportation along the Jogimara-Mawakhola road section of Prithvi Highway due to obstructions created by flood and landslides. The department has urged the transporters to use Tribhuvan Highway and BP Highway as alternative routes to supply goods to the capital.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The Narayanghat-Mugling road section, which was obstructed due to landslide in Kalikhola area, has been reopened. But the road only serves one-way traffic at the moment.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">Director General at the Department of Roads Keshav Kumar Sharma said that although they are working to clear the debris, they are unable to reopen some roads because the floods have swept bridges in some areas while chunks of road section have also been swept away elsewhere. He said that they will not be able to repair the roads in some places unless the level or water recedes and the rainfall comes to a halt.</span></span></span></span></p>
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			'created' => '2020-07-22',
			'modified' => '2020-07-22',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11961',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12213',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'State-owned JEMC to Print Excise Duty Stickers',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 22: The government has decided to give the contract of printing excise duty stickers to the state-owned Janak Education Materials Centre (JEMC) Limited. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">July 22: The government has decided to give the contract of printing excise duty stickers to the state-owned Janak Education Materials Centre (JEMC) Limited. </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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The took such decision as the excise duty stickers started running out of stock.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The finance ministry agreed to the proposal of Inland Revenue Department to print the stickers, which are primarily used in alcoholic and tobacco products, at JEMC. </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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The department proposed handing the responsibility to JSSK as they are running out of time to issue global tender.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">This is not the first time JEMC has been given such responsibility. Earlier, the stickers printed by the state-owned organisation was found to be of sub-standard. Therefore, the government later chose foreign company 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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">An official at the department said that they have decided to give the contract to JEMC for the time being and will side-by-side also&nbsp; issue global tender. The department has also formed a study committee to initiate the procurement process. The committee will present its report within 15 days and the department will take action according, said the source requesting anonymity.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The government had been printing 40 different kinds of stickers in foreign countries through global tender process. However, the process has been halted after a parliamentary committee initiated a probe into alleged irregularities in the procurement process. The house panel has been discussing whether to hand the contract to foreign company or to print the stickers in the country itself since a long time.</span></span></span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12211',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Exporters allowed to take back Black Peppers held at Checkpoints',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 22: The government has allowed exporters to take back their shipments of black pepper held at Birgunj Dry Port and Indian ports.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">July 22: The government has allowed exporters to take back their shipments of black pepper held at Birgunj Dry Port and Indian ports.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies on Tuesday decided to let the exporters take back the black peppers brought without prior permission from the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">At present, almost 1,000 containers of unauthorized food items have been held at the check points following the government directive to restrict the import of chickpeas, black pepper, betel nuts and dates on April 30. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Nawaraj Dhakal informed that the ministry has decided to allow exporters to take back the containers of black pepper shipped to Nepal before the ban was imposed. However, the exporters have to complete some formal procedures, the secretary added. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The containers have been stuck in the port of Kolkata and Visakhapatnam for three months after the Birgunj Dry Port Customs stopped issuing the inspection pass. The ministry has allowed the exporters only to take back black pepper among the consignments.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Joint Secretary Dhakal informed that the exporters have been directed to make arrangements ensuring that foreign currency is not misappropriated while taking back the pepper.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The ministry has forwarded the notice to the Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection Department as well as the Department of Customs regarding the decision. Consignments imported without prior permission have been stopped at the border check points while those brought before the ban were allowed to enter.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '12209',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Drug Manufacturers Defer Protest Programmes',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 22: The agitating drug manufacturers of Nepal have postponed their protest programmes after the Ministry of Health and Population formed an advisory committee to address their demands.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">July 22: The agitating drug manufacturers of Nepal have postponed their protest programmes after the Ministry of Health and Population formed an advisory committee to address their demands.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The Association of Pharmaceutical Producers of Nepal (APPON) on Tuesday (July 21) decided to defer all protest programmes after the ministry formed the three-member committee headed by joint secretary Dr Bikas Devkota.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">Director General of the Department of Drug Administration Narayan Prasad Dhakal and president of APPON Narayan Bahadur Chhetri have been appointed members of the committee.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">Chhetri informed New Business Age that they postponed their protest programmes for the time being after the ministry formed the committee to address their demands.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">&ldquo;It is not appropriate to organize protest programmes while we are holding discussion with the government,&rdquo; said Chhetri, adding, &ldquo;So, we have decided to postpone the protest programmes for some days from Tuesday.&rdquo;</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The committee is currently studying the demands of the drug manufacturers of Nepal. Director General of DDA Dhakal informed that they are discussing about the demands of the drug manufacturers.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">&ldquo;So far, the committee is involved in discussions. The ministry will take necessary decision based on the recommendation of the committee,&rdquo; said Dhakal.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The committee is likely to submit its recommendation to Health Minister Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal on July 22, according to APPON President Chhetri.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">&ldquo;The ministry has agreed to some of our demands. But other demands are yet to be addressed,&rdquo; said Chhetri. He warned that they would resume their protest if the committee forwards the recommendations without addressing their demands.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">One of the major demands of the drug manufacturers is that the government must ban the import of drugs that are produced in significant quantity in Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p>
',
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			'created' => '2020-07-22',
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			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11957',
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			'article_date' => '2020-07-22 12:47:43',
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12206',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Lifts Lockdown, Some Restriction to Remain in Force',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 22: The government has announced lifting of the lockdown which was imposed since March 24 to contain the spread of coronavirus.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">July 22: The government has announced lifting of the lockdown which was imposed since March 24 to contain the spread 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">A cabinet meeting on Monday decided to end the lockdown effective from Tuesday midnight (July 21).</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">Government spokesperson Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada, who holds the portfolio of finance and communication ministries, formally announced the government decision amid a programme on Tuesday.</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">&ldquo;The government has decided to end the lockdown from Tuesday midnight&hellip;.. Despite the lifting of the lockdown, Nepal&rsquo;s international borders will remain closed till August 16,&rdquo; said minister Khatiwada.</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 lockdown imposed by the government since March 24 was extended time and again and was fully enforced until June 8. Then onward, the government eased the lockdown to some extent, allowing shops to reopen and private vehicles to ply on 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">The government has also decided to allow hotels and restaurants to operate from July 30 onward. The hotel industry is completely closed due to the effects of coronavirus while restaurants are providing limited services. Although the government has decided to allow hotels to operate from next week, ban on mass gatherings and parties will still remain in force, informed Khatiwada.</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 government has also decided to allow schools to take admission of students and hold examinations&nbsp; from August 17. Schools and educational institutions will be allowed to run educational programmes by maintaining safety standards and necessary precaution. However, the government is yet to decide on resuming classes altogether.</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">Although the lockdown has ended, the government has urged the public to adopt necessary precautions while some activities will remain banned for the time being. </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">Educational institutions, tuition centres, cinema halls, dance bar, saloons and beauty parlours, swimming pools and religious sites will remain closed while public gathering is also banned.</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">Meanwhile, the government has decided to allow trekking and travel agencies to operate their business keeping in mind the tourism season.</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 government has also decided to resume domestic and international flights from August 17. Likewise, transport entrepreneurs will be allowed to operate long-route vehicles from the same date (August 17).</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 odd-even number system has also been scrapped and all kinds of vehicles will be allowed to operate from Wednesday onward.</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">However, entry into Nepal from neighbouring countries will be prohibited until August 16 unless there is any urgency.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11954',
			'image' => '20200722115413_1595368592.Clipboard02.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-07-22 11:53:38',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12210',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Long-Route Vehicles to Operate from August 17 ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 22: The government has decided to allow operation of long-route vehicles from August 17.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Devanagari Sangam MN&quot;">July 22: </span><span style="font-family:Arial">The government has decided to allow operation of long-route vehicles from August 17.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:Arial">Government&nbsp; spokesperson Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada made the announcement on Tuesday following a cabinet meeting on Monday. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:Arial">Meanwhile, the odd-even number system on vehicles has been lifted from Tuesday. All kinds of vehicles can now operate without any hindrance.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:Arial">The cabinet meeting has also ended the two shifts of work in government offices.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:Arial">Minister Khatiwada, who holds the portfolio of finance and communication ministries, informed that the government will facilitate in normalizing the situation in the coming days.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'created' => '2020-07-22',
			'modified' => '2020-07-22',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11953',
			'image' => '20200722015124_20171109120628_20171108035347_busbus.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-07-22 13:50:28',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12205',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Cargo Vehicles Stranded in Rasuwagadhi due to Rainfall ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: Rasuwagadhi transit point, which had reopened just two weeks ago after nearly five months of closure due to coronavirus, is facing obstruction once again.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">July 21: Rasuwagadhi transit point, which had reopened just two weeks ago after nearly five months of closure due to coronavirus, is facing obstruction once again.</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">This time it is because of monsoon. Landslides triggered by heavy rainfall has not only stranded cargo vehicles but also delayed clearance of Nepal-bound 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:Arial">Chief of Rasuwagadhi Customs Point, Punya Bikram Khadka, informed that they are facing difficulty in loading goods from the border area due to incessant rainfall since the last three days. </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">He further said that they are unable to clear more than 50 percent goods that have been loaded from across the border. According to Khadka, mostly cargo vehicles carrying electronic goods and clothes have been stranded in the border area.</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">This customs point, which collects revenue of around Rs 10 million in an average day, has not been able to collect any amount in the last few days due to obstruction created by rainfall. </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">Khadka informed that there is no provision at the customs point to protect goods from rain. </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">&ldquo;We are facing problems because we have to unload goods in a narrow area and the give clearance. We are making effort to sort&nbsp; out the problem,&rdquo; he said.</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">Customs chief Khadka said they are consulting with Chinese authorities for proper management of clearance 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:Arial">He informed that more than 100 containers of goods have entered Nepal in two weeks since the border opened. </span></span></span></span></p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2020-07-21',
			'modified' => '2020-07-21',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11952',
			'image' => '20200721032617_1595263977.rasuwagadhi.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-07-21 15:25:23',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12203',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Nepal Telecom to Provide Utility Payment Service ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: Nepal Rastra Bank has given letter of intent (LOI) to Nepal Telecom to operate payment service (mobile money) including utility payment service.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">July 21: Nepal Rastra Bank has given letter of intent (LOI) to Nepal Telecom to operate payment service (mobile money) including utility payment service. The central bank has paved way for Nepal Telecom to operate such service after an agreement in principle between the two organisations.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Nepal Telecom had filed an application with NRB a year ago to operate payment service in collaboration with Rastriya Banijya Bank (RBB). Nepal Telecom spokesperson Rajesh Joshi said that they have received the LOI from NRB and the necessary process for the operation of the service has been initiated. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">To provide the utility payment service, Nepal Telecom and RBB must establish a separate company with their joint investment. Nepal Telecom needs to file another application within six months for final approval after managing necessary infrastructure for the new venture.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">NRB will then conduct necessary study such as the company&rsquo;s staff, software and other issues and give final approval for the operation within a month. NRB says Nepal Telecom can operate the new service only after fulfilling all the criteria.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The paid-up capital of the joint-venture company, where the majority shares will be of Nepal Telecom, has to be Rs 1 billion. Spokesperson Joshi said that the company will be registered within a week. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&ldquo;We have already started the process to establish the joint venture company. Probably, the company will be registered within a week,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;Then we will make necessary arrangement for infrastructure such as installing software, setting up office and visit central bank for final approval.&rdquo; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">This new service is a kind of digital wallet. Customers will be able to make various payments through a mobile application by registering their mobile number and account number of RBB. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">There will also be a top-up service. According to Nepal Telecom, all types of transactions can be done through the app. RBB will have its role in amount settlement. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Telecommunication companies are working as a payment service provider in abroad. In some countries, telecom companies are ahead of banks in this regard. This is the first time in Nepal that a payment service has been launched under the leadership of a telecom company.&nbsp; For this, Nepal Telecom has already completed all necessary procedures. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Managing Director of the Nepal Telecom, Dilliram Adhikari, said this new service will provide accessibility of digital transaction to the people of rural areas as well. &ldquo;Nepal Telecom has reached to the places where banking service is not yet available,&rdquo; he said adding, &ldquo;In this regard, it is expected that it will be easier to provide them banking services.&rdquo; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">He further said the mobile money service is being launched with the objective of increasing financial inclusion and access to digital transaction. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&ldquo;While we have a nationwide network, RBB has a long experience in the financial sector,&rdquo; he said, adding, &ldquo;We can operate the service effectively by using two pillars.&rdquo; Adhikari also said that the service would be more reliable as both Nepal Telecom and RBB are government-owned companies. </span></span></span></p>
',
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			'created' => '2020-07-21',
			'modified' => '2020-07-21',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11951',
			'image' => '20200721022343_1595282477.Clipboard05.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-07-21 14:22:41',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12204',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Transport Entrepreneurs to Resume Service from July 22 ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: Transport entrepreneurs have reached an understanding with the government to resume public transportation service from Wednesday (July 22). ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">July 21: Transport entrepreneurs have reached an understanding with the government to resume public transportation service from Wednesday (July 22). </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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Transport entrepreneurs made such announcement following a meeting with the Director General of the Department of Transport Management Gogan Bahadur Hamal on Monday. The two sides discussed about the work procedure on resuming public transportation service. During the meeting, DoTM agreed to bear 50 percent premium for the insurance coverage of those involved in transportation service. DoTM, on behalf of the government, agreed to pay 50 percent insurance premium against coronavirus for drivers and helpers of public vehicles. Government authorities also agreed to recommending setting up a fund for providing relief to drivers and helpers in case they die of coronavirus. Following the understanding, the transport entrepreneurs agreed to resume their service from Wednesday.</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Although the government had decided to lift a ban on public transport last week, some transport entrepreneurs and workers&rsquo; union had decided not to resume service without getting assurance from the government. They were demanding security of frontline workers and relief during the lockdown period as a precondition for resuming their service.</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The transport entrepreneurs showed flexibility in resuming service after a meeting with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Their concerns were also addressed by the monetary policy for the upcoming fiscal year. However, they were still reluctant to resume service outright due to the security of drivers and helpers. &nbsp;&nbsp;</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Meanwhile, DoTM has assured the transport entrepreneurs that it will take initiative to resume long-route vehicles as well. </span></span></span></span></p>
',
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			'created' => '2020-07-21',
			'modified' => '2020-07-21',
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			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11950',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12202',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Foreign Exporters Demand Release of Goods Held at Customs Points',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: Foreign exporters have appealed to the Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad to facilitate the release of large quantity of dry fruits, peas, pepper, betel nuts and dates that are currently stopped in ports in Nepal and India.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">July 21: Foreign exporters have appealed to the Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad to facilitate the release of large quantity of dry fruits, peas, pepper, betel nuts and dates that are currently stopped in ports in Nepal and India. </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:Calibri">The exporters have written letter to the Nepali Embassy in Canada requesting to facilitate the release of the goods after not receiving payment from Nepali importers.</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:Calibri">Companies including Marina Commodities of Canada, Agrocrop International, Swiss Singapore Canada, PKT Associates have requested Bhrigu Dhungana, Nepal&rsquo;s Ambassador to Canada, for supporting them to clear the goods from the ports and for the clearance of dues. &nbsp;&nbsp;Nepali importers have been importing chick peas from these companies.</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:Calibri">The payment for these goods have been stopped after the customs offices halted the inspection of the goods. The Department of Customs informed that it had stopped the inspection because the importers had imported the goods without the prior approval of the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control. </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:Calibri">However, the importers complain that the payment of more than a dozen exporters have been withheld due to the delay in inspection by the government authorities.</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:Calibri">The government had banned the import of chick peas, betel nuts, dates and pepper on April 30.</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:Calibri">The Birgunj Dry Port has suspended the inspection of 500 containers for almost three months citing lack of prior approval from the Food Department. Importers suggest that additional 500 containers are stranded at the container freight station in Indian ports.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'sortorder' => '11949',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12199',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Gives the Nod to Resume Air Service from August 17',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: The government has decided to resume air service almost after a month from August 17.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">July 21: </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The government has decided to resume air service almost after a month from August 17. A cabinet meeting on Monday (July 20) decided to resume both domestic and international flights. </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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The Council of Ministers has endorsed the proposal to instruct the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation to start necessary homework to this effect.</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yogesh Bhattarai confirmed that cabinet has assigned the ministry to take required measures to resume air service, which has been halted since the government imposed lockdown on March 24.</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The ministry had earlier sent a proposal to the Covid-19 Crisis Management Centre to resume domestic flights from August 5 and international flights from August 17. However, the cabinet decided to resume both domestic and international flights from August 17.</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The cabinet meeting also decided to ease the lockdown measures. The government has been extending the lockdown time and again to contain the spread of coronavirus. The current lockdown expires this Wednesday (July 22).</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Earlier, the government had decided to resume transportation service within the districts. The latest decision of cabinet also allows phase-wise opening of inter-district transportation from now onward.</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Meanwhile, CCMC had presented a proposal &nbsp;to the cabinet on Sunday requesting a review of ban on transportation, tourism business, operation of hotels, schools and a clamp down on sports activities based on new assessment of Covid-19 situation. As per the recommendation, the government has agreed to ease the lockdown measures. However, the government is yet to announce the new model of lockdown. Informed sources said that the government spokesperson will shed light on the latest decision during a regular press meet. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12201',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Launches Youth Employment Project in Collaboration with World Bank ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: The government on Monday (July 20) launched the ‘Youth Employment Transformation Initiative’ project in collaboration with the World Bank.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">July 21: The government on Monday (July 20) launched the &lsquo;Youth Employment Transformation Initiative&rsquo; project in collaboration with the World Bank.</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 World Bank said in a joint statement that Minister for Labor, Employment and Social Security Rameshwor Raya Yadav and World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, Faris Hadad-Zervos jointly launched the project amid a function on July 20. </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">Financed by the World Bank to promote domestic employment, the project will enable poor and vulnerable youth gain access to employment, skills development and capacity building opportunities, the statement said. </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">Aligned with the Prime Minister Employment Program, the $120 million project will be implemented over the next four years with a focus on improving employment services and labor market outcomes, especially for youth.</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">&ldquo;With the onset of COVID-19 and the subsequent contraction of the global job market, Nepal&rsquo;s labor market is also affected with a huge number of job losses. In this context, result-driven implementation of the project at all three levels of the government is of critical importance,&rdquo; the statement quoted Labour Minister Yadav as saying. </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">&ldquo;This project plays a crucial role to expand the employment opportunities in the domestic labor market and to set up an automated system of Labor Information Bank and upgrade the Employment Management Information System<em> </em>by consolidating basic labor market information such as profile of the unemployed persons including knowledge, skills, experience and the potential sector for employment along with the demand and supply aspects of the labor market,&rdquo; added Minister Yadav thanking the development partner for the continual support in the internal labor market strategy of Nepal. </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">World Bank&rsquo;s Country Director for Nepal Hadad-Zervos said that </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">the project funding is being frontloaded this year to support over 75,000 of the most vulnerable unemployed youth at the local level as part of the World Bank&rsquo;s COVID-19 response. He added that this project would help the unemployed youth to earn 100 days of wages each through the creation of temporary employment opportunities in the maintenance and upgrading of public infrastructure.</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">&ldquo;Working with the government, development partners and the private sector, the&nbsp;World Bank&nbsp;will seek to contribute to a long thread of engagements that align to make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable people,&rdquo; Hadad-Zervos said.</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 project agreement was signed in November 2019 by the Government of Nepal and the World Bank. Of the $120 million credit, about 90 percent is allocated to the local levels to create jobs in the maintenance and upgrading of public infrastructure and public services for 100,000 unemployed youth, 60% of whom will be women as per the project&rsquo;s priority to inclusion. </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">According to the World Bank, the project will support 753 Employment Service Centers at the local levels to strengthen the workforce and to provide services in registration, profiling, referral, temporary work placement and on-the-job training. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12200',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'FDI Pledges worth Rs 39 Billion in Last Fiscal Year',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: Foreign investors pledged investment of around Rs 39 billion to as many as 226 industries in Nepal in the last fiscal year, according to the Department of Industries.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">July 21: Foreign investors pledged investment of around Rs 39 billion to as many as 226 industries in Nepal in the last fiscal year, according to the Department of Industries.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Majority of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) was committed by Chinese firms. Firms from China pledged to invest Rs 25.57 billion for 174 industries followed by India standing at Rs 3.57 billion for 16 industries, informed Spokesperson Binod Kumar Khadka.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Khadka further shared that more than 17 countries abroad had pledged to invest in 226 industries. Among the commitments received for investment, service sector has received the highest investment, informed Khadka. &nbsp;More than Rs 11 billion has been pledged for 73 industries in service sector.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Similarly, 81 industries in the tourism sector have received commitment of over Rs 10 billion. Likewise, over Rs 70 billion was pledged for information and technology sector involving 37 industries.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">A total of 277 new enterprises were registered in the last fiscal year. The total capital of those newly registered enterprises was over Rs 152 billion. <em>(RSS)</em></span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12197',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NAC Decides to Ground Chinese Aircraft',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 20: Nepal Airlines Corporation has decided to stop using Chinese aircraft from July 30 after incurring losses regularly. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">July 20: Nepal Airlines Corporation has decided to stop using Chinese aircraft from July 30 after incurring losses regularly. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The flag carrier of Nepal currently has four Y-12 and two MA-60 Chinese-made aircraft. MA-60 has a capacity to carry 56 passengers while the Y-12 is an 18-seater aircraft used for domestic flights.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Stating that the state-owned aircraft company of Nepal has been incurring losses regularly while operating these aircraft, NAC decided to stop using them altogether. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">A board meeting of NAC recently decided to halt the operation of the Chinese aircraft, said a source informed about the matter. According to the source, the board assessed that NAC has incurred losses worth Rs 1.9 billion from Fiscal Year 2071/72 to FY 2075/76 while operating the Chinese aircraft. Fearing that the airline company would face further losses if it continues using the Chinese aircraft, the board decided to stop their operation. NAC estimates the losses will climb to Rs 2.3 billion in the current fiscal year. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The board meeting concluded that it is not profitable to operate Chinese aircraft because of the cost factor. The insurance premium for these aircraft is 35 percent more than other aircraft while the pilots are not easily available. As the company has to produce the pilots itself, the cost becomes more expensive than operating Airbus 320, the board noted. Therefore, the board decided to stop the operation of the Chinese aircraft, the source said on condition of anonymity.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Similarly, the spare parts of these aircraft are 75 percent more expensive that other aircraft. On the other hand, it takes a long time for delivery of the spare parts of these aircraft.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">According to the NAC source, both the aircraft lack instructor pilots and the training for such aircraft costs four times higher than normal training.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">In the meantime, the fuel consumption of the Chinese aircraft is double than other aircraft.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">A board member of NAC informed that the national flag carrier of Nepal cannot operate the aircraft and therefore decided to ground them. The board member said that they have written a letter to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation that it is not commercially viable to operate these aircraft.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The NAC board has been discussing this issue since the last 20 board meetings but has not been able to decide on proper management of these aircraft. Now, it is up to the government to decide the next step, the board member said.</span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12217',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government begins Fresh Bid to Purchase Electric Buses ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 23: The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport is preparing to issue tender process to purchase electric buses. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">July 23: The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport is preparing to issue tender process to purchase electric buses. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Earlier, the ministry had scrapped with Sajha Yatayat for the purchase and issued a public notice to bus manufacturers and distributors to submit details of battery operated electric bus by June end. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">According to the ministry, among the 41 companies that have submitted the specifications of electric bus, most are Chinese companies and five of them are Indian companies. As per the specifications provided by those companies, the process for the tender of electric bus is being initiated. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The government had decided to buy 300 electric buses in December 2018 through a cabinet meeting. The government had also announced to operate electric buses in Kathmandu from April 2019 and the responsibility of purchasing the buses was given to Sajha Yatayat in mid July 2019. In addition, Rs 3 billion was also disbursed. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">However, within the three months, the ministry issued a notice to Sajha to stop the purchase of the buses stating that it could not purchase the bus within the stipulated time and as per the criteria set by the government. In February 2020, the responsibility was given to the ministry. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Since then, the ministry has been working to issue tender bids for 300 buses at a time. However, the process was halted due to a nationwide lockdown to control the coronavirus infection. </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '12214',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Landslides, Floods Obstruct Different Highways',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 22: Incessant rainfall since the last few days has triggered landslides, obstructing dozens of roads and highways. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">July 22: Incessant rainfall since the last few days has triggered landslides, obstructing dozens of roads and highways. </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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">Prithvi Highway, which connects the capital Kathmandu with the rest of the country, has been obstructed by landslides in various places. Some sections of different highways have been swept away by floods. Massive floods have also washed away concrete bridges as well as Bailey bridges in some places. </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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">Transportation has come to a complete halt in some highways.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The Department of Roads has said it will take some more time to resume transportation along the Jogimara-Mawakhola road section of Prithvi Highway due to obstructions created by flood and landslides. The department has urged the transporters to use Tribhuvan Highway and BP Highway as alternative routes to supply goods to the capital.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The Narayanghat-Mugling road section, which was obstructed due to landslide in Kalikhola area, has been reopened. But the road only serves one-way traffic at the moment.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">Director General at the Department of Roads Keshav Kumar Sharma said that although they are working to clear the debris, they are unable to reopen some roads because the floods have swept bridges in some areas while chunks of road section have also been swept away elsewhere. He said that they will not be able to repair the roads in some places unless the level or water recedes and the rainfall comes to a halt.</span></span></span></span></p>
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			'id' => '12213',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'State-owned JEMC to Print Excise Duty Stickers',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 22: The government has decided to give the contract of printing excise duty stickers to the state-owned Janak Education Materials Centre (JEMC) Limited. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">July 22: The government has decided to give the contract of printing excise duty stickers to the state-owned Janak Education Materials Centre (JEMC) Limited. </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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The took such decision as the excise duty stickers started running out of stock.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The finance ministry agreed to the proposal of Inland Revenue Department to print the stickers, which are primarily used in alcoholic and tobacco products, at JEMC. </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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The department proposed handing the responsibility to JSSK as they are running out of time to issue global tender.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">This is not the first time JEMC has been given such responsibility. Earlier, the stickers printed by the state-owned organisation was found to be of sub-standard. Therefore, the government later chose foreign company 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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">An official at the department said that they have decided to give the contract to JEMC for the time being and will side-by-side also&nbsp; issue global tender. The department has also formed a study committee to initiate the procurement process. The committee will present its report within 15 days and the department will take action according, said the source requesting anonymity.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The government had been printing 40 different kinds of stickers in foreign countries through global tender process. However, the process has been halted after a parliamentary committee initiated a probe into alleged irregularities in the procurement process. The house panel has been discussing whether to hand the contract to foreign company or to print the stickers in the country itself since a long time.</span></span></span></span></p>
',
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			'modified' => '2020-07-22',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11960',
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	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12211',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Exporters allowed to take back Black Peppers held at Checkpoints',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 22: The government has allowed exporters to take back their shipments of black pepper held at Birgunj Dry Port and Indian ports.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">July 22: The government has allowed exporters to take back their shipments of black pepper held at Birgunj Dry Port and Indian ports.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies on Tuesday decided to let the exporters take back the black peppers brought without prior permission from the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">At present, almost 1,000 containers of unauthorized food items have been held at the check points following the government directive to restrict the import of chickpeas, black pepper, betel nuts and dates on April 30. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Nawaraj Dhakal informed that the ministry has decided to allow exporters to take back the containers of black pepper shipped to Nepal before the ban was imposed. However, the exporters have to complete some formal procedures, the secretary added. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The containers have been stuck in the port of Kolkata and Visakhapatnam for three months after the Birgunj Dry Port Customs stopped issuing the inspection pass. The ministry has allowed the exporters only to take back black pepper among the consignments.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Joint Secretary Dhakal informed that the exporters have been directed to make arrangements ensuring that foreign currency is not misappropriated while taking back the pepper.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The ministry has forwarded the notice to the Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection Department as well as the Department of Customs regarding the decision. Consignments imported without prior permission have been stopped at the border check points while those brought before the ban were allowed to enter.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'description' => '',
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12209',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Drug Manufacturers Defer Protest Programmes',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 22: The agitating drug manufacturers of Nepal have postponed their protest programmes after the Ministry of Health and Population formed an advisory committee to address their demands.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">July 22: The agitating drug manufacturers of Nepal have postponed their protest programmes after the Ministry of Health and Population formed an advisory committee to address their demands.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The Association of Pharmaceutical Producers of Nepal (APPON) on Tuesday (July 21) decided to defer all protest programmes after the ministry formed the three-member committee headed by joint secretary Dr Bikas Devkota.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">Director General of the Department of Drug Administration Narayan Prasad Dhakal and president of APPON Narayan Bahadur Chhetri have been appointed members of the committee.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">Chhetri informed New Business Age that they postponed their protest programmes for the time being after the ministry formed the committee to address their demands.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">&ldquo;It is not appropriate to organize protest programmes while we are holding discussion with the government,&rdquo; said Chhetri, adding, &ldquo;So, we have decided to postpone the protest programmes for some days from Tuesday.&rdquo;</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The committee is currently studying the demands of the drug manufacturers of Nepal. Director General of DDA Dhakal informed that they are discussing about the demands of the drug manufacturers.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">&ldquo;So far, the committee is involved in discussions. The ministry will take necessary decision based on the recommendation of the committee,&rdquo; said Dhakal.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The committee is likely to submit its recommendation to Health Minister Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal on July 22, according to APPON President Chhetri.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">&ldquo;The ministry has agreed to some of our demands. But other demands are yet to be addressed,&rdquo; said Chhetri. He warned that they would resume their protest if the committee forwards the recommendations without addressing their demands.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">One of the major demands of the drug manufacturers is that the government must ban the import of drugs that are produced in significant quantity in Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p>
',
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			'created' => '2020-07-22',
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			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11957',
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			'article_date' => '2020-07-22 12:47:43',
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12206',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Lifts Lockdown, Some Restriction to Remain in Force',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 22: The government has announced lifting of the lockdown which was imposed since March 24 to contain the spread of coronavirus.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">July 22: The government has announced lifting of the lockdown which was imposed since March 24 to contain the spread 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">A cabinet meeting on Monday decided to end the lockdown effective from Tuesday midnight (July 21).</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">Government spokesperson Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada, who holds the portfolio of finance and communication ministries, formally announced the government decision amid a programme on Tuesday.</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">&ldquo;The government has decided to end the lockdown from Tuesday midnight&hellip;.. Despite the lifting of the lockdown, Nepal&rsquo;s international borders will remain closed till August 16,&rdquo; said minister Khatiwada.</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 lockdown imposed by the government since March 24 was extended time and again and was fully enforced until June 8. Then onward, the government eased the lockdown to some extent, allowing shops to reopen and private vehicles to ply on 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">The government has also decided to allow hotels and restaurants to operate from July 30 onward. The hotel industry is completely closed due to the effects of coronavirus while restaurants are providing limited services. Although the government has decided to allow hotels to operate from next week, ban on mass gatherings and parties will still remain in force, informed Khatiwada.</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 government has also decided to allow schools to take admission of students and hold examinations&nbsp; from August 17. Schools and educational institutions will be allowed to run educational programmes by maintaining safety standards and necessary precaution. However, the government is yet to decide on resuming classes altogether.</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">Although the lockdown has ended, the government has urged the public to adopt necessary precautions while some activities will remain banned for the time being. </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">Educational institutions, tuition centres, cinema halls, dance bar, saloons and beauty parlours, swimming pools and religious sites will remain closed while public gathering is also banned.</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">Meanwhile, the government has decided to allow trekking and travel agencies to operate their business keeping in mind the tourism season.</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 government has also decided to resume domestic and international flights from August 17. Likewise, transport entrepreneurs will be allowed to operate long-route vehicles from the same date (August 17).</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 odd-even number system has also been scrapped and all kinds of vehicles will be allowed to operate from Wednesday onward.</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">However, entry into Nepal from neighbouring countries will be prohibited until August 16 unless there is any urgency.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'created' => '2020-07-22',
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			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11954',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12210',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Long-Route Vehicles to Operate from August 17 ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 22: The government has decided to allow operation of long-route vehicles from August 17.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Devanagari Sangam MN&quot;">July 22: </span><span style="font-family:Arial">The government has decided to allow operation of long-route vehicles from August 17.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:Arial">Government&nbsp; spokesperson Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada made the announcement on Tuesday following a cabinet meeting on Monday. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:Arial">Meanwhile, the odd-even number system on vehicles has been lifted from Tuesday. All kinds of vehicles can now operate without any hindrance.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:Arial">The cabinet meeting has also ended the two shifts of work in government offices.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:Arial">Minister Khatiwada, who holds the portfolio of finance and communication ministries, informed that the government will facilitate in normalizing the situation in the coming days.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'created' => '2020-07-22',
			'modified' => '2020-07-22',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11953',
			'image' => '20200722015124_20171109120628_20171108035347_busbus.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-07-22 13:50:28',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12205',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Cargo Vehicles Stranded in Rasuwagadhi due to Rainfall ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: Rasuwagadhi transit point, which had reopened just two weeks ago after nearly five months of closure due to coronavirus, is facing obstruction once again.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">July 21: Rasuwagadhi transit point, which had reopened just two weeks ago after nearly five months of closure due to coronavirus, is facing obstruction once again.</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">This time it is because of monsoon. Landslides triggered by heavy rainfall has not only stranded cargo vehicles but also delayed clearance of Nepal-bound 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:Arial">Chief of Rasuwagadhi Customs Point, Punya Bikram Khadka, informed that they are facing difficulty in loading goods from the border area due to incessant rainfall since the last three days. </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">He further said that they are unable to clear more than 50 percent goods that have been loaded from across the border. According to Khadka, mostly cargo vehicles carrying electronic goods and clothes have been stranded in the border area.</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">This customs point, which collects revenue of around Rs 10 million in an average day, has not been able to collect any amount in the last few days due to obstruction created by rainfall. </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">Khadka informed that there is no provision at the customs point to protect goods from rain. </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">&ldquo;We are facing problems because we have to unload goods in a narrow area and the give clearance. We are making effort to sort&nbsp; out the problem,&rdquo; he said.</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">Customs chief Khadka said they are consulting with Chinese authorities for proper management of clearance 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:Arial">He informed that more than 100 containers of goods have entered Nepal in two weeks since the border opened. </span></span></span></span></p>
',
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			'created' => '2020-07-21',
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			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11952',
			'image' => '20200721032617_1595263977.rasuwagadhi.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-07-21 15:25:23',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12203',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Nepal Telecom to Provide Utility Payment Service ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: Nepal Rastra Bank has given letter of intent (LOI) to Nepal Telecom to operate payment service (mobile money) including utility payment service.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">July 21: Nepal Rastra Bank has given letter of intent (LOI) to Nepal Telecom to operate payment service (mobile money) including utility payment service. The central bank has paved way for Nepal Telecom to operate such service after an agreement in principle between the two organisations.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Nepal Telecom had filed an application with NRB a year ago to operate payment service in collaboration with Rastriya Banijya Bank (RBB). Nepal Telecom spokesperson Rajesh Joshi said that they have received the LOI from NRB and the necessary process for the operation of the service has been initiated. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">To provide the utility payment service, Nepal Telecom and RBB must establish a separate company with their joint investment. Nepal Telecom needs to file another application within six months for final approval after managing necessary infrastructure for the new venture.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">NRB will then conduct necessary study such as the company&rsquo;s staff, software and other issues and give final approval for the operation within a month. NRB says Nepal Telecom can operate the new service only after fulfilling all the criteria.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The paid-up capital of the joint-venture company, where the majority shares will be of Nepal Telecom, has to be Rs 1 billion. Spokesperson Joshi said that the company will be registered within a week. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&ldquo;We have already started the process to establish the joint venture company. Probably, the company will be registered within a week,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;Then we will make necessary arrangement for infrastructure such as installing software, setting up office and visit central bank for final approval.&rdquo; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">This new service is a kind of digital wallet. Customers will be able to make various payments through a mobile application by registering their mobile number and account number of RBB. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">There will also be a top-up service. According to Nepal Telecom, all types of transactions can be done through the app. RBB will have its role in amount settlement. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Telecommunication companies are working as a payment service provider in abroad. In some countries, telecom companies are ahead of banks in this regard. This is the first time in Nepal that a payment service has been launched under the leadership of a telecom company.&nbsp; For this, Nepal Telecom has already completed all necessary procedures. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Managing Director of the Nepal Telecom, Dilliram Adhikari, said this new service will provide accessibility of digital transaction to the people of rural areas as well. &ldquo;Nepal Telecom has reached to the places where banking service is not yet available,&rdquo; he said adding, &ldquo;In this regard, it is expected that it will be easier to provide them banking services.&rdquo; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">He further said the mobile money service is being launched with the objective of increasing financial inclusion and access to digital transaction. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&ldquo;While we have a nationwide network, RBB has a long experience in the financial sector,&rdquo; he said, adding, &ldquo;We can operate the service effectively by using two pillars.&rdquo; Adhikari also said that the service would be more reliable as both Nepal Telecom and RBB are government-owned companies. </span></span></span></p>
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12204',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Transport Entrepreneurs to Resume Service from July 22 ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: Transport entrepreneurs have reached an understanding with the government to resume public transportation service from Wednesday (July 22). ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">July 21: Transport entrepreneurs have reached an understanding with the government to resume public transportation service from Wednesday (July 22). </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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Transport entrepreneurs made such announcement following a meeting with the Director General of the Department of Transport Management Gogan Bahadur Hamal on Monday. The two sides discussed about the work procedure on resuming public transportation service. During the meeting, DoTM agreed to bear 50 percent premium for the insurance coverage of those involved in transportation service. DoTM, on behalf of the government, agreed to pay 50 percent insurance premium against coronavirus for drivers and helpers of public vehicles. Government authorities also agreed to recommending setting up a fund for providing relief to drivers and helpers in case they die of coronavirus. Following the understanding, the transport entrepreneurs agreed to resume their service from Wednesday.</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Although the government had decided to lift a ban on public transport last week, some transport entrepreneurs and workers&rsquo; union had decided not to resume service without getting assurance from the government. They were demanding security of frontline workers and relief during the lockdown period as a precondition for resuming their service.</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The transport entrepreneurs showed flexibility in resuming service after a meeting with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Their concerns were also addressed by the monetary policy for the upcoming fiscal year. However, they were still reluctant to resume service outright due to the security of drivers and helpers. &nbsp;&nbsp;</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Meanwhile, DoTM has assured the transport entrepreneurs that it will take initiative to resume long-route vehicles as well. </span></span></span></span></p>
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12202',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Foreign Exporters Demand Release of Goods Held at Customs Points',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: Foreign exporters have appealed to the Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad to facilitate the release of large quantity of dry fruits, peas, pepper, betel nuts and dates that are currently stopped in ports in Nepal and India.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">July 21: Foreign exporters have appealed to the Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad to facilitate the release of large quantity of dry fruits, peas, pepper, betel nuts and dates that are currently stopped in ports in Nepal and India. </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:Calibri">The exporters have written letter to the Nepali Embassy in Canada requesting to facilitate the release of the goods after not receiving payment from Nepali importers.</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:Calibri">Companies including Marina Commodities of Canada, Agrocrop International, Swiss Singapore Canada, PKT Associates have requested Bhrigu Dhungana, Nepal&rsquo;s Ambassador to Canada, for supporting them to clear the goods from the ports and for the clearance of dues. &nbsp;&nbsp;Nepali importers have been importing chick peas from these companies.</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:Calibri">The payment for these goods have been stopped after the customs offices halted the inspection of the goods. The Department of Customs informed that it had stopped the inspection because the importers had imported the goods without the prior approval of the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control. </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:Calibri">However, the importers complain that the payment of more than a dozen exporters have been withheld due to the delay in inspection by the government authorities.</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:Calibri">The government had banned the import of chick peas, betel nuts, dates and pepper on April 30.</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:Calibri">The Birgunj Dry Port has suspended the inspection of 500 containers for almost three months citing lack of prior approval from the Food Department. Importers suggest that additional 500 containers are stranded at the container freight station in Indian ports.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12199',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Gives the Nod to Resume Air Service from August 17',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: The government has decided to resume air service almost after a month from August 17.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">July 21: </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The government has decided to resume air service almost after a month from August 17. A cabinet meeting on Monday (July 20) decided to resume both domestic and international flights. </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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The Council of Ministers has endorsed the proposal to instruct the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation to start necessary homework to this effect.</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yogesh Bhattarai confirmed that cabinet has assigned the ministry to take required measures to resume air service, which has been halted since the government imposed lockdown on March 24.</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The ministry had earlier sent a proposal to the Covid-19 Crisis Management Centre to resume domestic flights from August 5 and international flights from August 17. However, the cabinet decided to resume both domestic and international flights from August 17.</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The cabinet meeting also decided to ease the lockdown measures. The government has been extending the lockdown time and again to contain the spread of coronavirus. The current lockdown expires this Wednesday (July 22).</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Earlier, the government had decided to resume transportation service within the districts. The latest decision of cabinet also allows phase-wise opening of inter-district transportation from now onward.</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Meanwhile, CCMC had presented a proposal &nbsp;to the cabinet on Sunday requesting a review of ban on transportation, tourism business, operation of hotels, schools and a clamp down on sports activities based on new assessment of Covid-19 situation. As per the recommendation, the government has agreed to ease the lockdown measures. However, the government is yet to announce the new model of lockdown. Informed sources said that the government spokesperson will shed light on the latest decision during a regular press meet. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12201',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Launches Youth Employment Project in Collaboration with World Bank ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: The government on Monday (July 20) launched the ‘Youth Employment Transformation Initiative’ project in collaboration with the World Bank.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">July 21: The government on Monday (July 20) launched the &lsquo;Youth Employment Transformation Initiative&rsquo; project in collaboration with the World Bank.</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 World Bank said in a joint statement that Minister for Labor, Employment and Social Security Rameshwor Raya Yadav and World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, Faris Hadad-Zervos jointly launched the project amid a function on July 20. </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">Financed by the World Bank to promote domestic employment, the project will enable poor and vulnerable youth gain access to employment, skills development and capacity building opportunities, the statement said. </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">Aligned with the Prime Minister Employment Program, the $120 million project will be implemented over the next four years with a focus on improving employment services and labor market outcomes, especially for youth.</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">&ldquo;With the onset of COVID-19 and the subsequent contraction of the global job market, Nepal&rsquo;s labor market is also affected with a huge number of job losses. In this context, result-driven implementation of the project at all three levels of the government is of critical importance,&rdquo; the statement quoted Labour Minister Yadav as saying. </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">&ldquo;This project plays a crucial role to expand the employment opportunities in the domestic labor market and to set up an automated system of Labor Information Bank and upgrade the Employment Management Information System<em> </em>by consolidating basic labor market information such as profile of the unemployed persons including knowledge, skills, experience and the potential sector for employment along with the demand and supply aspects of the labor market,&rdquo; added Minister Yadav thanking the development partner for the continual support in the internal labor market strategy of Nepal. </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">World Bank&rsquo;s Country Director for Nepal Hadad-Zervos said that </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">the project funding is being frontloaded this year to support over 75,000 of the most vulnerable unemployed youth at the local level as part of the World Bank&rsquo;s COVID-19 response. He added that this project would help the unemployed youth to earn 100 days of wages each through the creation of temporary employment opportunities in the maintenance and upgrading of public infrastructure.</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">&ldquo;Working with the government, development partners and the private sector, the&nbsp;World Bank&nbsp;will seek to contribute to a long thread of engagements that align to make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable people,&rdquo; Hadad-Zervos said.</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 project agreement was signed in November 2019 by the Government of Nepal and the World Bank. Of the $120 million credit, about 90 percent is allocated to the local levels to create jobs in the maintenance and upgrading of public infrastructure and public services for 100,000 unemployed youth, 60% of whom will be women as per the project&rsquo;s priority to inclusion. </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">According to the World Bank, the project will support 753 Employment Service Centers at the local levels to strengthen the workforce and to provide services in registration, profiling, referral, temporary work placement and on-the-job training. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11947',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12200',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'FDI Pledges worth Rs 39 Billion in Last Fiscal Year',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: Foreign investors pledged investment of around Rs 39 billion to as many as 226 industries in Nepal in the last fiscal year, according to the Department of Industries.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">July 21: Foreign investors pledged investment of around Rs 39 billion to as many as 226 industries in Nepal in the last fiscal year, according to the Department of Industries.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Majority of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) was committed by Chinese firms. Firms from China pledged to invest Rs 25.57 billion for 174 industries followed by India standing at Rs 3.57 billion for 16 industries, informed Spokesperson Binod Kumar Khadka.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Khadka further shared that more than 17 countries abroad had pledged to invest in 226 industries. Among the commitments received for investment, service sector has received the highest investment, informed Khadka. &nbsp;More than Rs 11 billion has been pledged for 73 industries in service sector.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Similarly, 81 industries in the tourism sector have received commitment of over Rs 10 billion. Likewise, over Rs 70 billion was pledged for information and technology sector involving 37 industries.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">A total of 277 new enterprises were registered in the last fiscal year. The total capital of those newly registered enterprises was over Rs 152 billion. <em>(RSS)</em></span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11946',
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	(int) 14 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12197',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NAC Decides to Ground Chinese Aircraft',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 20: Nepal Airlines Corporation has decided to stop using Chinese aircraft from July 30 after incurring losses regularly. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">July 20: Nepal Airlines Corporation has decided to stop using Chinese aircraft from July 30 after incurring losses regularly. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The flag carrier of Nepal currently has four Y-12 and two MA-60 Chinese-made aircraft. MA-60 has a capacity to carry 56 passengers while the Y-12 is an 18-seater aircraft used for domestic flights.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Stating that the state-owned aircraft company of Nepal has been incurring losses regularly while operating these aircraft, NAC decided to stop using them altogether. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">A board meeting of NAC recently decided to halt the operation of the Chinese aircraft, said a source informed about the matter. According to the source, the board assessed that NAC has incurred losses worth Rs 1.9 billion from Fiscal Year 2071/72 to FY 2075/76 while operating the Chinese aircraft. Fearing that the airline company would face further losses if it continues using the Chinese aircraft, the board decided to stop their operation. NAC estimates the losses will climb to Rs 2.3 billion in the current fiscal year. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The board meeting concluded that it is not profitable to operate Chinese aircraft because of the cost factor. The insurance premium for these aircraft is 35 percent more than other aircraft while the pilots are not easily available. As the company has to produce the pilots itself, the cost becomes more expensive than operating Airbus 320, the board noted. Therefore, the board decided to stop the operation of the Chinese aircraft, the source said on condition of anonymity.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Similarly, the spare parts of these aircraft are 75 percent more expensive that other aircraft. On the other hand, it takes a long time for delivery of the spare parts of these aircraft.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">According to the NAC source, both the aircraft lack instructor pilots and the training for such aircraft costs four times higher than normal training.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">In the meantime, the fuel consumption of the Chinese aircraft is double than other aircraft.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">A board member of NAC informed that the national flag carrier of Nepal cannot operate the aircraft and therefore decided to ground them. The board member said that they have written a letter to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation that it is not commercially viable to operate these aircraft.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The NAC board has been discussing this issue since the last 20 board meetings but has not been able to decide on proper management of these aircraft. Now, it is up to the government to decide the next step, the board member said.</span></span></p>
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			'id' => '12217',
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			'title' => 'Government begins Fresh Bid to Purchase Electric Buses ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 23: The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport is preparing to issue tender process to purchase electric buses. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">July 23: The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport is preparing to issue tender process to purchase electric buses. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Earlier, the ministry had scrapped with Sajha Yatayat for the purchase and issued a public notice to bus manufacturers and distributors to submit details of battery operated electric bus by June end. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">According to the ministry, among the 41 companies that have submitted the specifications of electric bus, most are Chinese companies and five of them are Indian companies. As per the specifications provided by those companies, the process for the tender of electric bus is being initiated. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The government had decided to buy 300 electric buses in December 2018 through a cabinet meeting. The government had also announced to operate electric buses in Kathmandu from April 2019 and the responsibility of purchasing the buses was given to Sajha Yatayat in mid July 2019. In addition, Rs 3 billion was also disbursed. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">However, within the three months, the ministry issued a notice to Sajha to stop the purchase of the buses stating that it could not purchase the bus within the stipulated time and as per the criteria set by the government. In February 2020, the responsibility was given to the ministry. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Since then, the ministry has been working to issue tender bids for 300 buses at a time. However, the process was halted due to a nationwide lockdown to control the coronavirus infection. </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'modified' => '2020-07-23',
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			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11962',
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	(int) 1 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12214',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Landslides, Floods Obstruct Different Highways',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 22: Incessant rainfall since the last few days has triggered landslides, obstructing dozens of roads and highways. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">July 22: Incessant rainfall since the last few days has triggered landslides, obstructing dozens of roads and highways. </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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">Prithvi Highway, which connects the capital Kathmandu with the rest of the country, has been obstructed by landslides in various places. Some sections of different highways have been swept away by floods. Massive floods have also washed away concrete bridges as well as Bailey bridges in some places. </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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">Transportation has come to a complete halt in some highways.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The Department of Roads has said it will take some more time to resume transportation along the Jogimara-Mawakhola road section of Prithvi Highway due to obstructions created by flood and landslides. The department has urged the transporters to use Tribhuvan Highway and BP Highway as alternative routes to supply goods to the capital.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The Narayanghat-Mugling road section, which was obstructed due to landslide in Kalikhola area, has been reopened. But the road only serves one-way traffic at the moment.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">Director General at the Department of Roads Keshav Kumar Sharma said that although they are working to clear the debris, they are unable to reopen some roads because the floods have swept bridges in some areas while chunks of road section have also been swept away elsewhere. He said that they will not be able to repair the roads in some places unless the level or water recedes and the rainfall comes to a halt.</span></span></span></span></p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2020-07-22',
			'modified' => '2020-07-22',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11961',
			'image' => '20200722031823_1595369744.Clipboard13.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-07-22 15:17:25',
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	(int) 2 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12213',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'State-owned JEMC to Print Excise Duty Stickers',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 22: The government has decided to give the contract of printing excise duty stickers to the state-owned Janak Education Materials Centre (JEMC) Limited. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">July 22: The government has decided to give the contract of printing excise duty stickers to the state-owned Janak Education Materials Centre (JEMC) Limited. </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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The took such decision as the excise duty stickers started running out of stock.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The finance ministry agreed to the proposal of Inland Revenue Department to print the stickers, which are primarily used in alcoholic and tobacco products, at JEMC. </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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The department proposed handing the responsibility to JSSK as they are running out of time to issue global tender.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">This is not the first time JEMC has been given such responsibility. Earlier, the stickers printed by the state-owned organisation was found to be of sub-standard. Therefore, the government later chose foreign company 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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">An official at the department said that they have decided to give the contract to JEMC for the time being and will side-by-side also&nbsp; issue global tender. The department has also formed a study committee to initiate the procurement process. The committee will present its report within 15 days and the department will take action according, said the source requesting anonymity.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The government had been printing 40 different kinds of stickers in foreign countries through global tender process. However, the process has been halted after a parliamentary committee initiated a probe into alleged irregularities in the procurement process. The house panel has been discussing whether to hand the contract to foreign company or to print the stickers in the country itself since a long time.</span></span></span></span></p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2020-07-22',
			'modified' => '2020-07-22',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11960',
			'image' => '20200722030229_1595368915.Clipboard03.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-07-22 14:58:49',
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	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12211',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Exporters allowed to take back Black Peppers held at Checkpoints',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 22: The government has allowed exporters to take back their shipments of black pepper held at Birgunj Dry Port and Indian ports.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">July 22: The government has allowed exporters to take back their shipments of black pepper held at Birgunj Dry Port and Indian ports.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies on Tuesday decided to let the exporters take back the black peppers brought without prior permission from the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">At present, almost 1,000 containers of unauthorized food items have been held at the check points following the government directive to restrict the import of chickpeas, black pepper, betel nuts and dates on April 30. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Nawaraj Dhakal informed that the ministry has decided to allow exporters to take back the containers of black pepper shipped to Nepal before the ban was imposed. However, the exporters have to complete some formal procedures, the secretary added. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The containers have been stuck in the port of Kolkata and Visakhapatnam for three months after the Birgunj Dry Port Customs stopped issuing the inspection pass. The ministry has allowed the exporters only to take back black pepper among the consignments.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Joint Secretary Dhakal informed that the exporters have been directed to make arrangements ensuring that foreign currency is not misappropriated while taking back the pepper.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The ministry has forwarded the notice to the Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection Department as well as the Department of Customs regarding the decision. Consignments imported without prior permission have been stopped at the border check points while those brought before the ban were allowed to enter.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'created' => '2020-07-22',
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12209',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Drug Manufacturers Defer Protest Programmes',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 22: The agitating drug manufacturers of Nepal have postponed their protest programmes after the Ministry of Health and Population formed an advisory committee to address their demands.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">July 22: The agitating drug manufacturers of Nepal have postponed their protest programmes after the Ministry of Health and Population formed an advisory committee to address their demands.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The Association of Pharmaceutical Producers of Nepal (APPON) on Tuesday (July 21) decided to defer all protest programmes after the ministry formed the three-member committee headed by joint secretary Dr Bikas Devkota.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">Director General of the Department of Drug Administration Narayan Prasad Dhakal and president of APPON Narayan Bahadur Chhetri have been appointed members of the committee.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">Chhetri informed New Business Age that they postponed their protest programmes for the time being after the ministry formed the committee to address their demands.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">&ldquo;It is not appropriate to organize protest programmes while we are holding discussion with the government,&rdquo; said Chhetri, adding, &ldquo;So, we have decided to postpone the protest programmes for some days from Tuesday.&rdquo;</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The committee is currently studying the demands of the drug manufacturers of Nepal. Director General of DDA Dhakal informed that they are discussing about the demands of the drug manufacturers.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">&ldquo;So far, the committee is involved in discussions. The ministry will take necessary decision based on the recommendation of the committee,&rdquo; said Dhakal.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">The committee is likely to submit its recommendation to Health Minister Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal on July 22, according to APPON President Chhetri.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">&ldquo;The ministry has agreed to some of our demands. But other demands are yet to be addressed,&rdquo; said Chhetri. He warned that they would resume their protest if the committee forwards the recommendations without addressing their demands.</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:&quot;Bangla MN&quot;">One of the major demands of the drug manufacturers is that the government must ban the import of drugs that are produced in significant quantity in Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p>
',
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			'created' => '2020-07-22',
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			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11957',
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12206',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Lifts Lockdown, Some Restriction to Remain in Force',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 22: The government has announced lifting of the lockdown which was imposed since March 24 to contain the spread of coronavirus.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">July 22: The government has announced lifting of the lockdown which was imposed since March 24 to contain the spread 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">A cabinet meeting on Monday decided to end the lockdown effective from Tuesday midnight (July 21).</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">Government spokesperson Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada, who holds the portfolio of finance and communication ministries, formally announced the government decision amid a programme on Tuesday.</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">&ldquo;The government has decided to end the lockdown from Tuesday midnight&hellip;.. Despite the lifting of the lockdown, Nepal&rsquo;s international borders will remain closed till August 16,&rdquo; said minister Khatiwada.</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 lockdown imposed by the government since March 24 was extended time and again and was fully enforced until June 8. Then onward, the government eased the lockdown to some extent, allowing shops to reopen and private vehicles to ply on 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">The government has also decided to allow hotels and restaurants to operate from July 30 onward. The hotel industry is completely closed due to the effects of coronavirus while restaurants are providing limited services. Although the government has decided to allow hotels to operate from next week, ban on mass gatherings and parties will still remain in force, informed Khatiwada.</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 government has also decided to allow schools to take admission of students and hold examinations&nbsp; from August 17. Schools and educational institutions will be allowed to run educational programmes by maintaining safety standards and necessary precaution. However, the government is yet to decide on resuming classes altogether.</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">Although the lockdown has ended, the government has urged the public to adopt necessary precautions while some activities will remain banned for the time being. </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">Educational institutions, tuition centres, cinema halls, dance bar, saloons and beauty parlours, swimming pools and religious sites will remain closed while public gathering is also banned.</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">Meanwhile, the government has decided to allow trekking and travel agencies to operate their business keeping in mind the tourism season.</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 government has also decided to resume domestic and international flights from August 17. Likewise, transport entrepreneurs will be allowed to operate long-route vehicles from the same date (August 17).</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 odd-even number system has also been scrapped and all kinds of vehicles will be allowed to operate from Wednesday onward.</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">However, entry into Nepal from neighbouring countries will be prohibited until August 16 unless there is any urgency.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'created' => '2020-07-22',
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			'description' => '',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12210',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Long-Route Vehicles to Operate from August 17 ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 22: The government has decided to allow operation of long-route vehicles from August 17.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Devanagari Sangam MN&quot;">July 22: </span><span style="font-family:Arial">The government has decided to allow operation of long-route vehicles from August 17.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:Arial">Government&nbsp; spokesperson Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada made the announcement on Tuesday following a cabinet meeting on Monday. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:Arial">Meanwhile, the odd-even number system on vehicles has been lifted from Tuesday. All kinds of vehicles can now operate without any hindrance.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:Arial">The cabinet meeting has also ended the two shifts of work in government offices.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:Arial">Minister Khatiwada, who holds the portfolio of finance and communication ministries, informed that the government will facilitate in normalizing the situation in the coming days.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'created' => '2020-07-22',
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			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11953',
			'image' => '20200722015124_20171109120628_20171108035347_busbus.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-07-22 13:50:28',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12205',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Cargo Vehicles Stranded in Rasuwagadhi due to Rainfall ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: Rasuwagadhi transit point, which had reopened just two weeks ago after nearly five months of closure due to coronavirus, is facing obstruction once again.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">July 21: Rasuwagadhi transit point, which had reopened just two weeks ago after nearly five months of closure due to coronavirus, is facing obstruction once again.</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">This time it is because of monsoon. Landslides triggered by heavy rainfall has not only stranded cargo vehicles but also delayed clearance of Nepal-bound 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:Arial">Chief of Rasuwagadhi Customs Point, Punya Bikram Khadka, informed that they are facing difficulty in loading goods from the border area due to incessant rainfall since the last three days. </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">He further said that they are unable to clear more than 50 percent goods that have been loaded from across the border. According to Khadka, mostly cargo vehicles carrying electronic goods and clothes have been stranded in the border area.</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">This customs point, which collects revenue of around Rs 10 million in an average day, has not been able to collect any amount in the last few days due to obstruction created by rainfall. </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">Khadka informed that there is no provision at the customs point to protect goods from rain. </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">&ldquo;We are facing problems because we have to unload goods in a narrow area and the give clearance. We are making effort to sort&nbsp; out the problem,&rdquo; he said.</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">Customs chief Khadka said they are consulting with Chinese authorities for proper management of clearance 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:Arial">He informed that more than 100 containers of goods have entered Nepal in two weeks since the border opened. </span></span></span></span></p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2020-07-21',
			'modified' => '2020-07-21',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11952',
			'image' => '20200721032617_1595263977.rasuwagadhi.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-07-21 15:25:23',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12203',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Nepal Telecom to Provide Utility Payment Service ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: Nepal Rastra Bank has given letter of intent (LOI) to Nepal Telecom to operate payment service (mobile money) including utility payment service.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">July 21: Nepal Rastra Bank has given letter of intent (LOI) to Nepal Telecom to operate payment service (mobile money) including utility payment service. The central bank has paved way for Nepal Telecom to operate such service after an agreement in principle between the two organisations.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Nepal Telecom had filed an application with NRB a year ago to operate payment service in collaboration with Rastriya Banijya Bank (RBB). Nepal Telecom spokesperson Rajesh Joshi said that they have received the LOI from NRB and the necessary process for the operation of the service has been initiated. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">To provide the utility payment service, Nepal Telecom and RBB must establish a separate company with their joint investment. Nepal Telecom needs to file another application within six months for final approval after managing necessary infrastructure for the new venture.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">NRB will then conduct necessary study such as the company&rsquo;s staff, software and other issues and give final approval for the operation within a month. NRB says Nepal Telecom can operate the new service only after fulfilling all the criteria.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The paid-up capital of the joint-venture company, where the majority shares will be of Nepal Telecom, has to be Rs 1 billion. Spokesperson Joshi said that the company will be registered within a week. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&ldquo;We have already started the process to establish the joint venture company. Probably, the company will be registered within a week,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;Then we will make necessary arrangement for infrastructure such as installing software, setting up office and visit central bank for final approval.&rdquo; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">This new service is a kind of digital wallet. Customers will be able to make various payments through a mobile application by registering their mobile number and account number of RBB. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">There will also be a top-up service. According to Nepal Telecom, all types of transactions can be done through the app. RBB will have its role in amount settlement. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Telecommunication companies are working as a payment service provider in abroad. In some countries, telecom companies are ahead of banks in this regard. This is the first time in Nepal that a payment service has been launched under the leadership of a telecom company.&nbsp; For this, Nepal Telecom has already completed all necessary procedures. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Managing Director of the Nepal Telecom, Dilliram Adhikari, said this new service will provide accessibility of digital transaction to the people of rural areas as well. &ldquo;Nepal Telecom has reached to the places where banking service is not yet available,&rdquo; he said adding, &ldquo;In this regard, it is expected that it will be easier to provide them banking services.&rdquo; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">He further said the mobile money service is being launched with the objective of increasing financial inclusion and access to digital transaction. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&ldquo;While we have a nationwide network, RBB has a long experience in the financial sector,&rdquo; he said, adding, &ldquo;We can operate the service effectively by using two pillars.&rdquo; Adhikari also said that the service would be more reliable as both Nepal Telecom and RBB are government-owned companies. </span></span></span></p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2020-07-21',
			'modified' => '2020-07-21',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11951',
			'image' => '20200721022343_1595282477.Clipboard05.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-07-21 14:22:41',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12204',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Transport Entrepreneurs to Resume Service from July 22 ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: Transport entrepreneurs have reached an understanding with the government to resume public transportation service from Wednesday (July 22). ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">July 21: Transport entrepreneurs have reached an understanding with the government to resume public transportation service from Wednesday (July 22). </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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Transport entrepreneurs made such announcement following a meeting with the Director General of the Department of Transport Management Gogan Bahadur Hamal on Monday. The two sides discussed about the work procedure on resuming public transportation service. During the meeting, DoTM agreed to bear 50 percent premium for the insurance coverage of those involved in transportation service. DoTM, on behalf of the government, agreed to pay 50 percent insurance premium against coronavirus for drivers and helpers of public vehicles. Government authorities also agreed to recommending setting up a fund for providing relief to drivers and helpers in case they die of coronavirus. Following the understanding, the transport entrepreneurs agreed to resume their service from Wednesday.</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Although the government had decided to lift a ban on public transport last week, some transport entrepreneurs and workers&rsquo; union had decided not to resume service without getting assurance from the government. They were demanding security of frontline workers and relief during the lockdown period as a precondition for resuming their service.</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The transport entrepreneurs showed flexibility in resuming service after a meeting with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Their concerns were also addressed by the monetary policy for the upcoming fiscal year. However, they were still reluctant to resume service outright due to the security of drivers and helpers. &nbsp;&nbsp;</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Meanwhile, DoTM has assured the transport entrepreneurs that it will take initiative to resume long-route vehicles as well. </span></span></span></span></p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2020-07-21',
			'modified' => '2020-07-21',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11950',
			'image' => '20200721030826_1595264681.yatayat.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-07-21 15:07:51',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12202',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Foreign Exporters Demand Release of Goods Held at Customs Points',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: Foreign exporters have appealed to the Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad to facilitate the release of large quantity of dry fruits, peas, pepper, betel nuts and dates that are currently stopped in ports in Nepal and India.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">July 21: Foreign exporters have appealed to the Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad to facilitate the release of large quantity of dry fruits, peas, pepper, betel nuts and dates that are currently stopped in ports in Nepal and India. </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:Calibri">The exporters have written letter to the Nepali Embassy in Canada requesting to facilitate the release of the goods after not receiving payment from Nepali importers.</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:Calibri">Companies including Marina Commodities of Canada, Agrocrop International, Swiss Singapore Canada, PKT Associates have requested Bhrigu Dhungana, Nepal&rsquo;s Ambassador to Canada, for supporting them to clear the goods from the ports and for the clearance of dues. &nbsp;&nbsp;Nepali importers have been importing chick peas from these companies.</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:Calibri">The payment for these goods have been stopped after the customs offices halted the inspection of the goods. The Department of Customs informed that it had stopped the inspection because the importers had imported the goods without the prior approval of the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control. </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:Calibri">However, the importers complain that the payment of more than a dozen exporters have been withheld due to the delay in inspection by the government authorities.</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:Calibri">The government had banned the import of chick peas, betel nuts, dates and pepper on April 30.</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:Calibri">The Birgunj Dry Port has suspended the inspection of 500 containers for almost three months citing lack of prior approval from the Food Department. Importers suggest that additional 500 containers are stranded at the container freight station in Indian ports.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'modified' => '2020-07-21',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11949',
			'image' => '20200721014644_1595282830.Clipboard08.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-07-21 13:46:05',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12199',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Gives the Nod to Resume Air Service from August 17',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: The government has decided to resume air service almost after a month from August 17.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">July 21: </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The government has decided to resume air service almost after a month from August 17. A cabinet meeting on Monday (July 20) decided to resume both domestic and international flights. </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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The Council of Ministers has endorsed the proposal to instruct the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation to start necessary homework to this effect.</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yogesh Bhattarai confirmed that cabinet has assigned the ministry to take required measures to resume air service, which has been halted since the government imposed lockdown on March 24.</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The ministry had earlier sent a proposal to the Covid-19 Crisis Management Centre to resume domestic flights from August 5 and international flights from August 17. However, the cabinet decided to resume both domestic and international flights from August 17.</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The cabinet meeting also decided to ease the lockdown measures. The government has been extending the lockdown time and again to contain the spread of coronavirus. The current lockdown expires this Wednesday (July 22).</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Earlier, the government had decided to resume transportation service within the districts. The latest decision of cabinet also allows phase-wise opening of inter-district transportation from now onward.</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:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Meanwhile, CCMC had presented a proposal &nbsp;to the cabinet on Sunday requesting a review of ban on transportation, tourism business, operation of hotels, schools and a clamp down on sports activities based on new assessment of Covid-19 situation. As per the recommendation, the government has agreed to ease the lockdown measures. However, the government is yet to announce the new model of lockdown. Informed sources said that the government spokesperson will shed light on the latest decision during a regular press meet. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'created' => '2020-07-21',
			'modified' => '2020-07-21',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11948',
			'image' => '20200721115456_1595259768.widebody_.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-07-21 11:53:49',
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12201',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Launches Youth Employment Project in Collaboration with World Bank ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: The government on Monday (July 20) launched the ‘Youth Employment Transformation Initiative’ project in collaboration with the World Bank.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">July 21: The government on Monday (July 20) launched the &lsquo;Youth Employment Transformation Initiative&rsquo; project in collaboration with the World Bank.</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 World Bank said in a joint statement that Minister for Labor, Employment and Social Security Rameshwor Raya Yadav and World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, Faris Hadad-Zervos jointly launched the project amid a function on July 20. </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">Financed by the World Bank to promote domestic employment, the project will enable poor and vulnerable youth gain access to employment, skills development and capacity building opportunities, the statement said. </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">Aligned with the Prime Minister Employment Program, the $120 million project will be implemented over the next four years with a focus on improving employment services and labor market outcomes, especially for youth.</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">&ldquo;With the onset of COVID-19 and the subsequent contraction of the global job market, Nepal&rsquo;s labor market is also affected with a huge number of job losses. In this context, result-driven implementation of the project at all three levels of the government is of critical importance,&rdquo; the statement quoted Labour Minister Yadav as saying. </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">&ldquo;This project plays a crucial role to expand the employment opportunities in the domestic labor market and to set up an automated system of Labor Information Bank and upgrade the Employment Management Information System<em> </em>by consolidating basic labor market information such as profile of the unemployed persons including knowledge, skills, experience and the potential sector for employment along with the demand and supply aspects of the labor market,&rdquo; added Minister Yadav thanking the development partner for the continual support in the internal labor market strategy of Nepal. </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">World Bank&rsquo;s Country Director for Nepal Hadad-Zervos said that </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">the project funding is being frontloaded this year to support over 75,000 of the most vulnerable unemployed youth at the local level as part of the World Bank&rsquo;s COVID-19 response. He added that this project would help the unemployed youth to earn 100 days of wages each through the creation of temporary employment opportunities in the maintenance and upgrading of public infrastructure.</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">&ldquo;Working with the government, development partners and the private sector, the&nbsp;World Bank&nbsp;will seek to contribute to a long thread of engagements that align to make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable people,&rdquo; Hadad-Zervos said.</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 project agreement was signed in November 2019 by the Government of Nepal and the World Bank. Of the $120 million credit, about 90 percent is allocated to the local levels to create jobs in the maintenance and upgrading of public infrastructure and public services for 100,000 unemployed youth, 60% of whom will be women as per the project&rsquo;s priority to inclusion. </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">According to the World Bank, the project will support 753 Employment Service Centers at the local levels to strengthen the workforce and to provide services in registration, profiling, referral, temporary work placement and on-the-job training. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'created' => '2020-07-21',
			'modified' => '2020-07-21',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11947',
			'image' => '20200721124426_World Bank_Yeti.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-07-21 12:43:17',
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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12200',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'FDI Pledges worth Rs 39 Billion in Last Fiscal Year',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 21: Foreign investors pledged investment of around Rs 39 billion to as many as 226 industries in Nepal in the last fiscal year, according to the Department of Industries.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">July 21: Foreign investors pledged investment of around Rs 39 billion to as many as 226 industries in Nepal in the last fiscal year, according to the Department of Industries.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Majority of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) was committed by Chinese firms. Firms from China pledged to invest Rs 25.57 billion for 174 industries followed by India standing at Rs 3.57 billion for 16 industries, informed Spokesperson Binod Kumar Khadka.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Khadka further shared that more than 17 countries abroad had pledged to invest in 226 industries. Among the commitments received for investment, service sector has received the highest investment, informed Khadka. &nbsp;More than Rs 11 billion has been pledged for 73 industries in service sector.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Similarly, 81 industries in the tourism sector have received commitment of over Rs 10 billion. Likewise, over Rs 70 billion was pledged for information and technology sector involving 37 industries.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">A total of 277 new enterprises were registered in the last fiscal year. The total capital of those newly registered enterprises was over Rs 152 billion. <em>(RSS)</em></span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2020-07-21',
			'modified' => '2020-07-21',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11946',
			'image' => '20200721122137_20170512120504_co.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-07-21 12:21:02',
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	(int) 14 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12197',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NAC Decides to Ground Chinese Aircraft',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'July 20: Nepal Airlines Corporation has decided to stop using Chinese aircraft from July 30 after incurring losses regularly. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">July 20: Nepal Airlines Corporation has decided to stop using Chinese aircraft from July 30 after incurring losses regularly. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The flag carrier of Nepal currently has four Y-12 and two MA-60 Chinese-made aircraft. MA-60 has a capacity to carry 56 passengers while the Y-12 is an 18-seater aircraft used for domestic flights.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Stating that the state-owned aircraft company of Nepal has been incurring losses regularly while operating these aircraft, NAC decided to stop using them altogether. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">A board meeting of NAC recently decided to halt the operation of the Chinese aircraft, said a source informed about the matter. According to the source, the board assessed that NAC has incurred losses worth Rs 1.9 billion from Fiscal Year 2071/72 to FY 2075/76 while operating the Chinese aircraft. Fearing that the airline company would face further losses if it continues using the Chinese aircraft, the board decided to stop their operation. NAC estimates the losses will climb to Rs 2.3 billion in the current fiscal year. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The board meeting concluded that it is not profitable to operate Chinese aircraft because of the cost factor. The insurance premium for these aircraft is 35 percent more than other aircraft while the pilots are not easily available. As the company has to produce the pilots itself, the cost becomes more expensive than operating Airbus 320, the board noted. Therefore, the board decided to stop the operation of the Chinese aircraft, the source said on condition of anonymity.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Similarly, the spare parts of these aircraft are 75 percent more expensive that other aircraft. On the other hand, it takes a long time for delivery of the spare parts of these aircraft.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">According to the NAC source, both the aircraft lack instructor pilots and the training for such aircraft costs four times higher than normal training.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">In the meantime, the fuel consumption of the Chinese aircraft is double than other aircraft.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">A board member of NAC informed that the national flag carrier of Nepal cannot operate the aircraft and therefore decided to ground them. The board member said that they have written a letter to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation that it is not commercially viable to operate these aircraft.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The NAC board has been discussing this issue since the last 20 board meetings but has not been able to decide on proper management of these aircraft. Now, it is up to the government to decide the next step, the board member said.</span></span></p>
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FOREX

Currency	Unit	Buy	Sell
U.S. Dollar	1	121.23	121.83
European Euro	1	131.65	132.31
UK Pound Sterling	1	142.47	143.18
Swiss Franc	1	124.29	124.90
Australian Dollar	1	71.69	72.05
Canadian Dollar	1	83.90	84.32
Japanese Yen	10	10.94	11.00
Chinese Yuan	1	17.17	17.26
Saudi Arabian Riyal	1	32.27	32.43
UAE Dirham	1	33.01	33.17
Malaysian Ringgit	1	27.36	27.50
South Korean Won	100	9.77	9.82

Update: 2020-03-25 | Source: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)

Bullion

Fine Gold	1 tola	77000.00
Tejabi Gold	1 tola	76700.00
Silver	1 tola	720.00

Update : 2020-03-25

Source: Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association

Petroleum

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