Lockdown Period to be Counted as Public Holiday

Apr 28, 2020 0 53 seconds to read

April 28: The government has announced public holiday during the lockdown period, the national news agency RSS reported.…

Bhatbhateni Supermarket Fined for Overcharging Customers

Apr 28, 2020 0 1 minutes 2 seconds to read

April 28: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has slapped a fine of Rs 300,000 against Bhatbhateni Supermarket for selling daily essentials at a price more than the stated price of the goods.…

Consumers yet to Benefit from Fall in Vegetable Prices

Apr 27, 2020 0 2 minutes 40 seconds to read

April 27: The prices of vegetables in Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market has gone down significantly in the recent days.…

NRB Announces Concession on Interest Rates

Apr 27, 2020 0 2 minutes 53 seconds to read

April 27: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has announced concession on interest rates for the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year.…

No Yarsagumba Picking this Year

Apr 27, 2020 0 1 minutes 41 seconds to read

April 27: The local levels in Bajhang district have decided not to let people pick yarsagumba this year in the wake of lockdown enforced to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.…

Government Extends Lockdown by 10 days

Apr 26, 2020 0 1 minutes 25 seconds to read

April 26: The government has decided to extend the lockdown by ten days until May…

Number of Coronavirus Cases Reach 52 in the Country

Apr 26, 2020 0 57 seconds to read

April 26: Three more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the country, according to the national news agency - RSS.…

Government Preparing to Announce Budget on Time

Apr 26, 2020 0 3 minutes 20 seconds to read

April 26: The government is preparing to announce the annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2020/21 at a time when the country’s economy has been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus.…

80 Percent Workers Denied Salary: GEFONT

Apr 26, 2020 0 2 minutes 20 seconds to read

April 26: More than 80 percent of workers involved in the formal sector have not received salary for the month of Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April) even two weeks into the new month according to the Nepali calendar.…

Task Force Recommends Extending Lockdown by One Week

Apr 26, 2020 0 2 minutes 2 seconds to read

April 26: A task force formed by the High Level Coordination Committee to Control and Prevent Coronavirus has recommended the committee to extend the lockdown by a…

WHO Removes Nepal from High-Risk Zone

Apr 26, 2020 0 1 minutes 25 seconds to read

April 26: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has removed Nepal from the high-risk zone of COVID-19 infection, the state-run national news agency RSS reported on Saturday (April 25).…

Growing Attraction Towards Coronavirus Insurance

Apr 26, 2020 0 2 minutes 4 seconds to read

April 26: Covid-19 insurance is gradually gaining public attention.…

Food Industries Urge Government to Create Conducive Environment for Running their Business

Apr 26, 2020 0 2 minutes 38 seconds to read

April 26: Even though the government has given permission to food industries to operate during lockdown, the operators of such industries have expressed concerns regarding lack of conducive environment for running their…

Commercial Banks waiting for NRB Report on COVID-19 Impact

Apr 24, 2020 0 2 minutes 8 seconds to read

April 24: Nepal Bankers’ Association (NBA) has decided to wait for the report of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) to study the impact of coronavirus on the economy before announcing any relief package.…

Revenue Collection through Customs Points under Scrutiny

Apr 24, 2020 0 2 minutes 5 seconds to read

April 24: The government is preparing to increase revenue collection through the customs point to make up for the losses caused by the impact of…

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No Laughing Matter

The Sweet Rewards of Power

By Madan Lamsal

. . .
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NEPSE

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			'id' => '11994',
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			'title' => 'Lockdown Period to be Counted as Public Holiday ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The government has announced public holiday during the lockdown period, the national news agency RSS reported. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 28: The government has announced public holiday during the lockdown period, the national news agency RSS reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to RSS, a notification issued by the government through the Nepal Gazette states that the lockdown period starting from March 24 and the extended period will be considered as public holiday as per Clause 2 of the Communicable Diseases Act, 2020 BS.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&quot;The chief of the offices concerned are required to decide to maintain the period during which all government offices, bodies or industries gave a holiday, in accordance with the order issued on March 22 and various dates after that, in the case of employees or workers with the salary and allowances they are entitled to, as a public holiday,&quot; RSS quoted the notice in the Nepal Gazettee as saying. </span></span></span></p>
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			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Bhatbhateni Supermarket Fined for Overcharging Customers',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has slapped a fine of Rs 300,000 against Bhatbhateni Supermarket for selling daily essentials at a price more than the stated price of the goods. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 28: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has slapped a fine of Rs 300,000 against Bhatbhateni Supermarket for selling daily essentials at a price more than the stated price of the goods.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">A monitoring team from the Department had found that the Bhatbhateni Supermarket at Tangal had sold consumer goods exceeding the maximum retail price (MRP). The Department said the store has been fined as per the Consumer Protection Act, 2075.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Similarly, the Department fined a fine of Rs 100,000 to the MBT Food Store in Kapan as it was found operating without keeping the price list of commodities.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The government has permitted big stores including Bhatbhateni to operate even during the lockdown for the convenience of the people to buy essentials. The Department has intensified market monitoring despite the lockdown to prevent consumers from being cheated during the present adverse situation. -- RSS </span></span></span></p>
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			'title' => 'Consumers yet to Benefit from Fall in Vegetable Prices',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: The prices of vegetables in Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market has gone down significantly in the recent days. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 27: The prices of vegetables in Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market has gone down significantly in the recent days. But the consumers have been paying exorbitant prices for vegetables in the retail shops. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to the price list issued by the Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Development Committee, prices of most of the vegetables have reduced by 75 to 80 percent in one month since the lockdown was first imposed on March 24. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">This is due to the increase in domestic production of vegetables. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Likewise, most of the people have left the Kathmandu Valley and the hotels and restaurants are also closed due to which the demand for vegetables has dropped sharply. All these factors have resulted in reduction of prices of vegetables, according to Binay Shreshta, information officer at the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The prices of a variety of gourds has dropped by 66 percent, according to the list. Likewise, beans (80 percent), tomatoes (64 percent) and cauliflower (26 percent) have also witnessed significant reduction in prices.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Despite the significant decline in prices of vegetables in the wholesale market, consumers say they have not felt a drop in the prices of vegetables in the retail shops.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Cauliflower is available at a maximum price of Rs 25 per kilogram in Kalimati. However, the price of the same vegetable is between Rs 45 to Rs 50 at retail shops in Kirtipur, says Sanu Maiya Maharjan, a local of Kirtipur.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Likewise, onion imported from India is being sold at Rs 28 per kg at Kalimati but the same product is being sold at Rs 45 per kg elsewhere. Traders have been selling carrot at Rs 55 per kg in the retail market although it costs only Rs 30 per kg in the wholesale market.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">It has been found that the retail shops have been charging the consumers high prices as per their wish, taking advantage of the lockdown.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;"><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/3332_vege1.jpg" style="height:258px; width:450px" /></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '11991',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NRB Announces Concession on Interest Rates',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has announced concession on interest rates for the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 27: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has announced concession on interest rates for the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year. The central bank has also said that the deadline for payment of loans can be extended during the lockdown period.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Newly appointed Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Maha Prasad Adhikari made such announcement while unveiling a six-point decision taken by the central bank to address the financial crisis created due to the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus. NRB Goverrnor Adhikari made the announcement during the 65<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the central bank on Sunday (April 26).</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to officials at the central bank, preparations are underway to avail the sectors affected by coronavirus with working capital loan. The central bank is also working to amend the work procedure on renewal of loan.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;NRB will amend the work procedure on renewal of loan to facilitate the small and medium-scale enterprises, tourism industry and other sectors badly affected by coronavirus,&rdquo; said Adhikari.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The NRB governor said that the central bank will increase the fund for renewal of loan as per the requirement. The fund currently stands at Rs 60 billion. It may be noted that the NRB had recently increased the fund for renewal of loan from Rs 50 billion to Rs 60 billion.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Adhikari further said that the central bank will take appropriate measures to facilitate the flow of loans from the banking sector.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">He said that preparations are underway to reschedule or restructure the loan provided to the sectors affected by coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to Adhikari, the central bank is closely studying the impacts on the country&rsquo;s economy due to the lockdown. </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">He was of the view that the cost factor and timeframe of big projects would increase due to the disruption in supply of construction materials.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;The disruption in supply chain is expected to increase the cost of big projects and extend their deadline,&rdquo; said Adhikari, adding, &ldquo;Although we do not have the exact figures regarding the impact of coronavirus on the economy at the moment, we have been making efforts to minimize the effects and to bring the economy back on track.&rdquo;</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '11990',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'No Yarsagumba Picking this Year',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: The local levels in Bajhang district have decided not to let people pick yarsagumba this year in the wake of lockdown enforced to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.   ',
			'content' => '<p><em>People heading to highlands in western Nepal to pick yarsagumba in this file photo. Photo: NBA Files</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 27: The local levels in Bajhang district have decided not to let people pick yarsagumba this year in the wake of lockdown enforced to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">People from Saipal, Surma, Bungal and other local levels in the district used to walk up the mountainous to comb meadows for the rare medicinal herb. With the onset of the New Year, it is time for the people here to pick the yarsagumba.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Chairperson of Saipal Rural Municipality Rajendra Dhami informed that people have been banned from collecting the medicinal herb because the crowd could spread the coronavirus. Yarsagumba is a major source of income for most of the people in Bajhang district.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">However, a local from Saipal Rural Municipality Bam Bahadur Bohara shared the plight that it would be difficult for them to manage family expense including children&#39;s school fee as they were not allowed to pick yarsagumba. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&quot;Not only the people from the district but those from neighbouring districts used to gather in thousands of number to collect the medicinal herb found at an altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 meters from Baisakh to Ashar (mid-April to mid-June),&quot; he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Even the schools used to remain closed as the children were taken together by the parents to comb the meadows for the rare plant. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
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			'sortorder' => '11740',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11989',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Extends Lockdown by 10 days',
			'sub_title' => 'International Borders to Remain Closed until May 13',
			'summary' => 'April 26: The government has decided to extend the lockdown by ten days until May 7.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">April 26: The government has decided to extend the lockdown by ten days until May 7.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">A cabinet meeting took a decision to this effect on Sunday (April 26). </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, government spokesperson Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada informed that the lockdown has been &ldquo;extended until midnight of May 7 to minimize the risk of coronavirus infection&rdquo;.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The government had imposed the lockdown for the first time on March 24 after a case of coronavirus was reported in the country. So far, Nepal has confirmed 51 cases of coronavirus.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Khatiwada, who also holds the portfolio of finance as well as communication minister, added that the cabinet&nbsp; has decided to close the international borders of Nepal until May 13. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">According to Minister Khatiwada, the decision to restrict cross-border movement was taken considering the high risk of spreading coronavirus from people coming to Nepal from countries already reeling under the effect of the pandemic.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Meanwhile, the Council of Ministers also decided to allow migrant workers to join work in South Korea under the EPS agreement. He said workers can now start jobs in South Korea as per the mutual understanding reached between the two countries. &nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'sortorder' => '11739',
			'image' => '20200426083712_0618_1587653428.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-04-26 20:36:07',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11988',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Number of Coronavirus Cases Reach 52 in the Country ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: Three more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the country, according to the national news agency - RSS. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: Three more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the country, according to the national news agency - RSS. With this, the number of people infected with the virus has reached 53.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to RSS, two men in their 50&#39;s from Birgunj of Parsa and one person from Jhapa have tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday (April 26). Their swab samples were tested at Teku-based National Public Health Laboratory and the Koshi Provincial Hospital, according to co-spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr Samir Adhikari. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Those infected are under isolation and their health condition is said to be normal.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Altogether 16&nbsp; infected persons have already returned home after full recovery.&nbsp; The active number of cases stands at 36.</span></span></span></p>
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			'sortorder' => '11738',
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			'article_date' => '2020-04-26 17:41:30',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11986',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Preparing to Announce Budget on Time',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: The government is preparing to announce the annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2020/21 at a time when the country’s economy has been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: The government is preparing to announce the annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2020/21 at a time when the country&rsquo;s economy has been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Informed sources told New Business Age that the government has given high priority to health infrastructure as it prepares to announce the budget which will also give special emphasis to employment, tourism, industrial sector and agriculture reeling under the effects of the pandemic. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Sources at the Finance Ministry say that the budget this time will not include populist agenda.&nbsp; High-ranking officials at the ministry informed that the government is making preparations to announce the budget within the deadline of May 28 as per the constitutional provision to make the announcement one and a half months ahead of the new fiscal year.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Joint Secretary at the ministry, Uttar Kumar Khatri, said that the government has decided to allocate less budget for development purpose and focus on health services to control the spread of coronavirus as well as to increase employment opportunities.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to him, the government is planning to spend the maximum amount on prevention and treatment of coronavirus. He said that the government will ensure that the budget for national pride projects would not be interrupted while the budget for other infrastructural development projects would be channelized toward the health sector.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The Naational Planning Commission has set a ceiling of Rs 81 billion in the upcoming budget for the Ministry of Energy and&nbsp; Irrigation. The ministry had received Rs 83.49 billion in the current fiscal year. Likewise, the NPC has set a ceiling of Rs 33 billion for the Agriculture Ministry while that for the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has been set at Rs 58 billion. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Meanwhile,&nbsp; officials at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security say that the government is preparing to announce budget that would focus on creating employment opportunities to minimize the impact of coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Joint Secretary at the ministry Suman Ghimire informed New Business Age that the government is doing necessary homework to announce a special package of at least Rs 10 billion for self employment.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Coronavirus has mostly affected small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and the people from the low-income group are at the receiving end due to various measures imposed to stem the spread of coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Tourism, construction and production-oriented sectors have also been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus. Many people dependent on these sectors have lost their jobs. Therefore, economist Keshav Acharya suggests that the government should announce programmes in the budget that would address the problems of the labourers and low-income groups and provide them immediate relief.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11985',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => '80 Percent Workers Denied Salary: GEFONT ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: More than 80 percent of workers involved in the formal sector have not received salary for the month of Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April) even two weeks into the new month according to the Nepali calendar. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: More than 80 percent of workers involved in the formal sector have not received salary for the month of Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April) even two weeks into the new month according to the Nepali calendar. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">While announce relief for the sectors affected by coronavirus, the government has said that the companies were bound to pay the workers salary for mid-March to mid-April although it had exempted the contribution of 31 percent to the Social Security Fund during the crisis period. The government had decided to contribute the amount itself on behalf of the companies listed in the scheme.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Despite the government&rsquo;s support and assurance, the private sector has not paid salary to 80 percent of the workers, according to the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT).</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">GEFONT has started writing letters to the industries and other business organisations of the private sector to release the salary of the workers. The umbrella organisation of workers has also warned that the withholding or payment would deteriorate working environment in the industries.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to Kamalesh Jha, chairman of Province 2 chapter of GEFONT, some of the pharmaceutical companies have posted notices that read &ndash; &ldquo;No Work No Pay&rdquo;.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Although the government has clearly directed the industries to pay the workers, the companies are dilly dallying in making the payment on the pretext that they haven&rsquo;t received any instruction from the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) and the banks have not released the amount, said Jha.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;Some companies have paid the workers but many others have withheld the amount under various excuses,&rdquo; said Jha.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">More than 95 percent of industries across the country are shut due to the lockdown imposed by the government on March 24 to prevent the spread of coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'created' => '2020-04-26',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11983',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Task Force Recommends Extending Lockdown by One Week',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: A task force formed by the High Level Coordination Committee to Control and Prevent Coronavirus has recommended the committee to extend the lockdown by a week.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: A task force formed by the High Level Coordination Committee to Control and Prevent Coronavirus has recommended the committee to extend the lockdown by a week. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The government had imposed the lockdown for the first time on March 24 to prevent the spread of coronavirus. After extension twice, the current lockdown is expiring on Monday (April 27). </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">A meeting of the task force headed by Chief Secretary Lok Darshan Regmi on Saturday recommended the full committee to extend the lockdown by another week.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Coordinator of the High Level Committee Ishwar Pokharel presented the&nbsp; recommendation of the task force to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli the same day.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The task force has recommended extending the lockdown while relaxing the rules in some places with low risk of infection. A cabinet meeting scheduled later on Sunday (today) will take a formal decision regarding the lockdown.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The committee reviewed the lockdown from different angles, informed Narayan Prasad Bidari, secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The government has been extending the lockdown after growing number of cases of coronavirus were reported in the country in recent days. Lockdown has proven to be effective to control the spread of coronavirus across the globe.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">As of Saturday, the confirmed cases of coronavirus has reached 49 in the country. Out of them, 12 patients have returned home after recovery, according to the Ministry of Health and Population.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'sortorder' => '11735',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11982',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'WHO Removes Nepal from High-Risk Zone',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has removed Nepal from the high-risk zone of COVID-19 infection, the state-run national news agency RSS reported on Saturday (April 25).  ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has removed Nepal from the high-risk zone of COVID-19 infection, the state-run national news agency RSS reported on Saturday (April 25).&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to RSS, the WHO has now placed it in the risk zone. The WHO&rsquo;s latest assessment was based on efforts Nepal has taken in the prevention and containment of the deadly virus.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to joint spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr Samir Adhikari, Nepal was earlier assessed as highly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to the emergence of virus in China to the north and its open border with India to the south. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">However, Nepal was removed from the list based on measures it applied in the prevention, control and treatment of the virus, RSS further said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">It may be noted that Nepal has imposed a nationwide lockdown since March 24 and has also sealed its international borders including with India to stem the spread of virus. Nepal&#39;s decision to implement lockdown has proved to be a timely measure against the virus as it lessened the risk of imported cases, said Dr Adhikari. </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'created' => '2020-04-26',
			'modified' => '2020-04-26',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11734',
			'image' => '20200426111352_WHO.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-04-26 11:12:59',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11987',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Growing Attraction Towards Coronavirus Insurance',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: Covid-19 insurance is gradually gaining public attention. ',
			'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">April 26: Covid-19 insurance is gradually gaining public attention. Insurance companies have started issuing insurance premium for Covid-19 coverage in Nepal from last Sunday, April 19. </span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Insurance Board of Nepal informed that the insurance companies have issued 9471 insurance premiums as of April 24 for covering coronavirus cases.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The insurance policies against coronavirus will cover family members and an individual. The companies have collected Rs 49.69 million insurance premium from the scheme, &nbsp;according to the Insurers Association.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The Insurance Board had issued this policy last week in collaboration with the Insurers Association due to the growing threat of corona virus in Nepal.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The insurance package is coordinated by Nepal Insurance Association and Shikhar Insurance is managing the insurance policy.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">According to statistics, Ajod Insurance has made the highest turnover for the Covid-19 insurance package. The company has sold 2667 &nbsp;insurance policies and collected Rs 997,000 insurance premium as of Friday. Likewise, Prudential Insurance has sold 2,158 premiums and collected Rs 914,000.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">IME Insurance has been able to insure 1,355 individuals. It has collected more than Rs 800,000 insurance premium. Shikhar Insurance has sold 1,073 insurance policies and collected Rs 625,000 premiums.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Other companies have sold less than 1,000 insurance policies. General Insurance, Oriental Insurance and Rastriya Bima have not been able to sell a single insurance premium for coronavirus so far.</span></span></h1>

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',
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			'sortorder' => '11733',
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11984',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Food Industries Urge Government to Create Conducive Environment for Running their Business ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: Even though the government has given permission to food industries to operate during lockdown, the operators of such industries have expressed concerns regarding lack of conducive environment for running their business.',
			'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">April 26: Even though the government has given permission to food industries to operate during lockdown, the operators of such industries have expressed concerns regarding lack of conducive environment for running their business.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The stakeholders suggest that they may even have to shut down their industries if the government does not create a conducive environment for work.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Subodh Kumar Gupta, president of the Association of Nepalese Rice, Oil and Pulses Industries informed that the production capacity of the industries is declining day by day due to the inability to manage the daily essentials to run the industry.</span></span></h1>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">At present, none of the food industries in the country are capable to operate in their full capacity. Gupta informed that 40 percent of the existing industries are operating with 30 percent of their actual capacity.</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 production has almost declined by half compared to normal days. </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;That&rsquo;s why the government has to facilitate the industries, or else the industries would be closed,&rdquo; Gupta said.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">In most of the industries, about 60-70 per cent of the Nepali workers have returned home. Meanwhile, the workers from India who are unable to return home have stayed and are operating the industries.&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Likewise, industrialists complained that they are running out of raw materials along with essential resources for production.&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Avinash Bohara, a central member of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), said that the government has given permission for the operation of the food industry but operating the food industry alone is not enough. He suggested that other supporting industries like the ones that produce sacks, plastics and cartoons are also need to be run.</span></span></span></p>

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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11981',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Commercial Banks waiting for NRB Report on  COVID-19 Impact',
			'sub_title' => 'NBA Decides not to Implement CBFIN’s Decision',
			'summary' => 'April 24: Nepal Bankers’ Association (NBA) has decided to wait for the report of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) to study the impact of coronavirus on the economy before announcing any relief package. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 24: Nepal Bankers&rsquo; Association (NBA) has decided to wait for the report of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) to study the impact of coronavirus on the economy before announcing any relief package. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">A video conference meeting of NBA, an umbrella body of commercial banks, on Thursday decided not to agree with the announcement of the </span>Confederation of Banks and Financial Institutions Nepal (CBFIN) to lower the interest rate. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The meeting agreed to wait for the report prepared by a committee formed by the central bank to study the impact of COVID-19 before announcing any relief package, informed NBA President Bhuvan Dahal.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">&ldquo;CBFIN should have given suggestion to the central bank instead of announcing relief package. We have already informed the confederation that we cannot implement its decision,&rdquo; said Dahal.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">CBFIN, an umbrella organisation of commercial banks, development banks and financial institutions of the country, had on April 22 decided to charge one percent less interest on loans up to Rs 10 million from April 13 onward to small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs). </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The confederation said that its members decided to lower the interest rate considering the impact of coronavirus on the economy and the borrowers.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The confederation had also announced 10 percent discount on payment of interest within the month of Baishakh (mid-May). CBFIN said its members will also not slap any fine if the pending loans are cleared within mid-May. However, NBA has decided to wait for the decision of central bank before announcing any relief to their customers.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">However, NBA has already lowered the interest on deposit effective from April 13. <span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The commercial banks had said a week ago that they would reduce the interests on loans only from mid-March after calculating the base rate.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'created' => '2020-04-24',
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			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11731',
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	(int) 14 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11980',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Revenue Collection through Customs Points under Scrutiny',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 24: The government is preparing to increase revenue collection through the customs point to make up for the losses caused by the impact of COVID-19.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 24: The government is preparing to increase revenue collection through the customs point to make up for the losses caused by the impact of COVID-19.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The Ministry of Finance has issued an 18-point instruction to the Department of Customs to meet its target of revenue collection by preparing an alternative work plan.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Concluding that all the customs point have collected lower revenue than the set target, the ministry has instructed them to step up the revenue collection within the current fiscal year.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">After finding adequate stock of imported goods in the market, the government authorities are apprehensive that those goods might have been smuggled into the country. The ministry has instructed the department to collaborate with other government agencies and adopt a policy of interference in the market if the goods are getting access into the country through illegal channels. The ministry has demanded progress report in every seven days after monitoring the market for such goods.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The ministry believes that the goods imported in bulk through the customs points might have entered the country under the cover of something else. Government authorities suspect that the importers bring in expensive and branded goods declaring them to be of normal quality, thereby evading customs duty. The ministry has instructed the customs department to make sure such misappropriations do not take place.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Authorities expect an increase in revenue if they could ascertain the actual details of the goods declared by the importers.&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The customs offices have been instructed to take action against the importers if the declaration made by them does not match with the specifications of the goods.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11994',
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			'title' => 'Lockdown Period to be Counted as Public Holiday ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The government has announced public holiday during the lockdown period, the national news agency RSS reported. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 28: The government has announced public holiday during the lockdown period, the national news agency RSS reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to RSS, a notification issued by the government through the Nepal Gazette states that the lockdown period starting from March 24 and the extended period will be considered as public holiday as per Clause 2 of the Communicable Diseases Act, 2020 BS.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&quot;The chief of the offices concerned are required to decide to maintain the period during which all government offices, bodies or industries gave a holiday, in accordance with the order issued on March 22 and various dates after that, in the case of employees or workers with the salary and allowances they are entitled to, as a public holiday,&quot; RSS quoted the notice in the Nepal Gazettee as saying. </span></span></span></p>
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			'sortorder' => '11744',
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			'article_date' => '2020-04-28 09:11:20',
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			'title' => 'Bhatbhateni Supermarket Fined for Overcharging Customers',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has slapped a fine of Rs 300,000 against Bhatbhateni Supermarket for selling daily essentials at a price more than the stated price of the goods. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 28: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has slapped a fine of Rs 300,000 against Bhatbhateni Supermarket for selling daily essentials at a price more than the stated price of the goods.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">A monitoring team from the Department had found that the Bhatbhateni Supermarket at Tangal had sold consumer goods exceeding the maximum retail price (MRP). The Department said the store has been fined as per the Consumer Protection Act, 2075.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Similarly, the Department fined a fine of Rs 100,000 to the MBT Food Store in Kapan as it was found operating without keeping the price list of commodities.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The government has permitted big stores including Bhatbhateni to operate even during the lockdown for the convenience of the people to buy essentials. The Department has intensified market monitoring despite the lockdown to prevent consumers from being cheated during the present adverse situation. -- RSS </span></span></span></p>
',
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			'sortorder' => '11743',
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			'article_date' => '2020-04-28 09:04:08',
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			'id' => '11992',
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			'title' => 'Consumers yet to Benefit from Fall in Vegetable Prices',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: The prices of vegetables in Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market has gone down significantly in the recent days. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 27: The prices of vegetables in Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market has gone down significantly in the recent days. But the consumers have been paying exorbitant prices for vegetables in the retail shops. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to the price list issued by the Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Development Committee, prices of most of the vegetables have reduced by 75 to 80 percent in one month since the lockdown was first imposed on March 24. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">This is due to the increase in domestic production of vegetables. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Likewise, most of the people have left the Kathmandu Valley and the hotels and restaurants are also closed due to which the demand for vegetables has dropped sharply. All these factors have resulted in reduction of prices of vegetables, according to Binay Shreshta, information officer at the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The prices of a variety of gourds has dropped by 66 percent, according to the list. Likewise, beans (80 percent), tomatoes (64 percent) and cauliflower (26 percent) have also witnessed significant reduction in prices.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Despite the significant decline in prices of vegetables in the wholesale market, consumers say they have not felt a drop in the prices of vegetables in the retail shops.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Cauliflower is available at a maximum price of Rs 25 per kilogram in Kalimati. However, the price of the same vegetable is between Rs 45 to Rs 50 at retail shops in Kirtipur, says Sanu Maiya Maharjan, a local of Kirtipur.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Likewise, onion imported from India is being sold at Rs 28 per kg at Kalimati but the same product is being sold at Rs 45 per kg elsewhere. Traders have been selling carrot at Rs 55 per kg in the retail market although it costs only Rs 30 per kg in the wholesale market.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">It has been found that the retail shops have been charging the consumers high prices as per their wish, taking advantage of the lockdown.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;"><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/3332_vege1.jpg" style="height:258px; width:450px" /></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '11991',
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			'title' => 'NRB Announces Concession on Interest Rates',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has announced concession on interest rates for the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 27: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has announced concession on interest rates for the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year. The central bank has also said that the deadline for payment of loans can be extended during the lockdown period.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Newly appointed Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Maha Prasad Adhikari made such announcement while unveiling a six-point decision taken by the central bank to address the financial crisis created due to the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus. NRB Goverrnor Adhikari made the announcement during the 65<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the central bank on Sunday (April 26).</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to officials at the central bank, preparations are underway to avail the sectors affected by coronavirus with working capital loan. The central bank is also working to amend the work procedure on renewal of loan.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;NRB will amend the work procedure on renewal of loan to facilitate the small and medium-scale enterprises, tourism industry and other sectors badly affected by coronavirus,&rdquo; said Adhikari.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The NRB governor said that the central bank will increase the fund for renewal of loan as per the requirement. The fund currently stands at Rs 60 billion. It may be noted that the NRB had recently increased the fund for renewal of loan from Rs 50 billion to Rs 60 billion.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Adhikari further said that the central bank will take appropriate measures to facilitate the flow of loans from the banking sector.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">He said that preparations are underway to reschedule or restructure the loan provided to the sectors affected by coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to Adhikari, the central bank is closely studying the impacts on the country&rsquo;s economy due to the lockdown. </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">He was of the view that the cost factor and timeframe of big projects would increase due to the disruption in supply of construction materials.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;The disruption in supply chain is expected to increase the cost of big projects and extend their deadline,&rdquo; said Adhikari, adding, &ldquo;Although we do not have the exact figures regarding the impact of coronavirus on the economy at the moment, we have been making efforts to minimize the effects and to bring the economy back on track.&rdquo;</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11990',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'No Yarsagumba Picking this Year',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: The local levels in Bajhang district have decided not to let people pick yarsagumba this year in the wake of lockdown enforced to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.   ',
			'content' => '<p><em>People heading to highlands in western Nepal to pick yarsagumba in this file photo. Photo: NBA Files</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 27: The local levels in Bajhang district have decided not to let people pick yarsagumba this year in the wake of lockdown enforced to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">People from Saipal, Surma, Bungal and other local levels in the district used to walk up the mountainous to comb meadows for the rare medicinal herb. With the onset of the New Year, it is time for the people here to pick the yarsagumba.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Chairperson of Saipal Rural Municipality Rajendra Dhami informed that people have been banned from collecting the medicinal herb because the crowd could spread the coronavirus. Yarsagumba is a major source of income for most of the people in Bajhang district.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">However, a local from Saipal Rural Municipality Bam Bahadur Bohara shared the plight that it would be difficult for them to manage family expense including children&#39;s school fee as they were not allowed to pick yarsagumba. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&quot;Not only the people from the district but those from neighbouring districts used to gather in thousands of number to collect the medicinal herb found at an altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 meters from Baisakh to Ashar (mid-April to mid-June),&quot; he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Even the schools used to remain closed as the children were taken together by the parents to comb the meadows for the rare plant. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
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			'id' => '11989',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Extends Lockdown by 10 days',
			'sub_title' => 'International Borders to Remain Closed until May 13',
			'summary' => 'April 26: The government has decided to extend the lockdown by ten days until May 7.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">April 26: The government has decided to extend the lockdown by ten days until May 7.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">A cabinet meeting took a decision to this effect on Sunday (April 26). </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, government spokesperson Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada informed that the lockdown has been &ldquo;extended until midnight of May 7 to minimize the risk of coronavirus infection&rdquo;.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The government had imposed the lockdown for the first time on March 24 after a case of coronavirus was reported in the country. So far, Nepal has confirmed 51 cases of coronavirus.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Khatiwada, who also holds the portfolio of finance as well as communication minister, added that the cabinet&nbsp; has decided to close the international borders of Nepal until May 13. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">According to Minister Khatiwada, the decision to restrict cross-border movement was taken considering the high risk of spreading coronavirus from people coming to Nepal from countries already reeling under the effect of the pandemic.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Meanwhile, the Council of Ministers also decided to allow migrant workers to join work in South Korea under the EPS agreement. He said workers can now start jobs in South Korea as per the mutual understanding reached between the two countries. &nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'sortorder' => '11739',
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			'id' => '11988',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Number of Coronavirus Cases Reach 52 in the Country ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: Three more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the country, according to the national news agency - RSS. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: Three more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the country, according to the national news agency - RSS. With this, the number of people infected with the virus has reached 53.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to RSS, two men in their 50&#39;s from Birgunj of Parsa and one person from Jhapa have tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday (April 26). Their swab samples were tested at Teku-based National Public Health Laboratory and the Koshi Provincial Hospital, according to co-spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr Samir Adhikari. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Those infected are under isolation and their health condition is said to be normal.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Altogether 16&nbsp; infected persons have already returned home after full recovery.&nbsp; The active number of cases stands at 36.</span></span></span></p>
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			'sortorder' => '11738',
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			'id' => '11986',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Preparing to Announce Budget on Time',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: The government is preparing to announce the annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2020/21 at a time when the country’s economy has been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: The government is preparing to announce the annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2020/21 at a time when the country&rsquo;s economy has been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Informed sources told New Business Age that the government has given high priority to health infrastructure as it prepares to announce the budget which will also give special emphasis to employment, tourism, industrial sector and agriculture reeling under the effects of the pandemic. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Sources at the Finance Ministry say that the budget this time will not include populist agenda.&nbsp; High-ranking officials at the ministry informed that the government is making preparations to announce the budget within the deadline of May 28 as per the constitutional provision to make the announcement one and a half months ahead of the new fiscal year.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Joint Secretary at the ministry, Uttar Kumar Khatri, said that the government has decided to allocate less budget for development purpose and focus on health services to control the spread of coronavirus as well as to increase employment opportunities.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to him, the government is planning to spend the maximum amount on prevention and treatment of coronavirus. He said that the government will ensure that the budget for national pride projects would not be interrupted while the budget for other infrastructural development projects would be channelized toward the health sector.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The Naational Planning Commission has set a ceiling of Rs 81 billion in the upcoming budget for the Ministry of Energy and&nbsp; Irrigation. The ministry had received Rs 83.49 billion in the current fiscal year. Likewise, the NPC has set a ceiling of Rs 33 billion for the Agriculture Ministry while that for the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has been set at Rs 58 billion. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Meanwhile,&nbsp; officials at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security say that the government is preparing to announce budget that would focus on creating employment opportunities to minimize the impact of coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Joint Secretary at the ministry Suman Ghimire informed New Business Age that the government is doing necessary homework to announce a special package of at least Rs 10 billion for self employment.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Coronavirus has mostly affected small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and the people from the low-income group are at the receiving end due to various measures imposed to stem the spread of coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Tourism, construction and production-oriented sectors have also been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus. Many people dependent on these sectors have lost their jobs. Therefore, economist Keshav Acharya suggests that the government should announce programmes in the budget that would address the problems of the labourers and low-income groups and provide them immediate relief.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11985',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => '80 Percent Workers Denied Salary: GEFONT ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: More than 80 percent of workers involved in the formal sector have not received salary for the month of Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April) even two weeks into the new month according to the Nepali calendar. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: More than 80 percent of workers involved in the formal sector have not received salary for the month of Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April) even two weeks into the new month according to the Nepali calendar. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">While announce relief for the sectors affected by coronavirus, the government has said that the companies were bound to pay the workers salary for mid-March to mid-April although it had exempted the contribution of 31 percent to the Social Security Fund during the crisis period. The government had decided to contribute the amount itself on behalf of the companies listed in the scheme.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Despite the government&rsquo;s support and assurance, the private sector has not paid salary to 80 percent of the workers, according to the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT).</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">GEFONT has started writing letters to the industries and other business organisations of the private sector to release the salary of the workers. The umbrella organisation of workers has also warned that the withholding or payment would deteriorate working environment in the industries.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to Kamalesh Jha, chairman of Province 2 chapter of GEFONT, some of the pharmaceutical companies have posted notices that read &ndash; &ldquo;No Work No Pay&rdquo;.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Although the government has clearly directed the industries to pay the workers, the companies are dilly dallying in making the payment on the pretext that they haven&rsquo;t received any instruction from the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) and the banks have not released the amount, said Jha.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;Some companies have paid the workers but many others have withheld the amount under various excuses,&rdquo; said Jha.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">More than 95 percent of industries across the country are shut due to the lockdown imposed by the government on March 24 to prevent the spread of coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11983',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Task Force Recommends Extending Lockdown by One Week',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: A task force formed by the High Level Coordination Committee to Control and Prevent Coronavirus has recommended the committee to extend the lockdown by a week.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: A task force formed by the High Level Coordination Committee to Control and Prevent Coronavirus has recommended the committee to extend the lockdown by a week. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The government had imposed the lockdown for the first time on March 24 to prevent the spread of coronavirus. After extension twice, the current lockdown is expiring on Monday (April 27). </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">A meeting of the task force headed by Chief Secretary Lok Darshan Regmi on Saturday recommended the full committee to extend the lockdown by another week.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Coordinator of the High Level Committee Ishwar Pokharel presented the&nbsp; recommendation of the task force to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli the same day.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The task force has recommended extending the lockdown while relaxing the rules in some places with low risk of infection. A cabinet meeting scheduled later on Sunday (today) will take a formal decision regarding the lockdown.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The committee reviewed the lockdown from different angles, informed Narayan Prasad Bidari, secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The government has been extending the lockdown after growing number of cases of coronavirus were reported in the country in recent days. Lockdown has proven to be effective to control the spread of coronavirus across the globe.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">As of Saturday, the confirmed cases of coronavirus has reached 49 in the country. Out of them, 12 patients have returned home after recovery, according to the Ministry of Health and Population.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'sortorder' => '11735',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11982',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'WHO Removes Nepal from High-Risk Zone',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has removed Nepal from the high-risk zone of COVID-19 infection, the state-run national news agency RSS reported on Saturday (April 25).  ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has removed Nepal from the high-risk zone of COVID-19 infection, the state-run national news agency RSS reported on Saturday (April 25).&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to RSS, the WHO has now placed it in the risk zone. The WHO&rsquo;s latest assessment was based on efforts Nepal has taken in the prevention and containment of the deadly virus.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to joint spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr Samir Adhikari, Nepal was earlier assessed as highly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to the emergence of virus in China to the north and its open border with India to the south. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">However, Nepal was removed from the list based on measures it applied in the prevention, control and treatment of the virus, RSS further said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">It may be noted that Nepal has imposed a nationwide lockdown since March 24 and has also sealed its international borders including with India to stem the spread of virus. Nepal&#39;s decision to implement lockdown has proved to be a timely measure against the virus as it lessened the risk of imported cases, said Dr Adhikari. </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'created' => '2020-04-26',
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			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11734',
			'image' => '20200426111352_WHO.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-04-26 11:12:59',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11987',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Growing Attraction Towards Coronavirus Insurance',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: Covid-19 insurance is gradually gaining public attention. ',
			'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">April 26: Covid-19 insurance is gradually gaining public attention. Insurance companies have started issuing insurance premium for Covid-19 coverage in Nepal from last Sunday, April 19. </span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Insurance Board of Nepal informed that the insurance companies have issued 9471 insurance premiums as of April 24 for covering coronavirus cases.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The insurance policies against coronavirus will cover family members and an individual. The companies have collected Rs 49.69 million insurance premium from the scheme, &nbsp;according to the Insurers Association.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The Insurance Board had issued this policy last week in collaboration with the Insurers Association due to the growing threat of corona virus in Nepal.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The insurance package is coordinated by Nepal Insurance Association and Shikhar Insurance is managing the insurance policy.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">According to statistics, Ajod Insurance has made the highest turnover for the Covid-19 insurance package. The company has sold 2667 &nbsp;insurance policies and collected Rs 997,000 insurance premium as of Friday. Likewise, Prudential Insurance has sold 2,158 premiums and collected Rs 914,000.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">IME Insurance has been able to insure 1,355 individuals. It has collected more than Rs 800,000 insurance premium. Shikhar Insurance has sold 1,073 insurance policies and collected Rs 625,000 premiums.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Other companies have sold less than 1,000 insurance policies. General Insurance, Oriental Insurance and Rastriya Bima have not been able to sell a single insurance premium for coronavirus so far.</span></span></h1>

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			'sortorder' => '11733',
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11984',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Food Industries Urge Government to Create Conducive Environment for Running their Business ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: Even though the government has given permission to food industries to operate during lockdown, the operators of such industries have expressed concerns regarding lack of conducive environment for running their business.',
			'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">April 26: Even though the government has given permission to food industries to operate during lockdown, the operators of such industries have expressed concerns regarding lack of conducive environment for running their business.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The stakeholders suggest that they may even have to shut down their industries if the government does not create a conducive environment for work.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Subodh Kumar Gupta, president of the Association of Nepalese Rice, Oil and Pulses Industries informed that the production capacity of the industries is declining day by day due to the inability to manage the daily essentials to run the industry.</span></span></h1>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">At present, none of the food industries in the country are capable to operate in their full capacity. Gupta informed that 40 percent of the existing industries are operating with 30 percent of their actual capacity.</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 production has almost declined by half compared to normal days. </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;That&rsquo;s why the government has to facilitate the industries, or else the industries would be closed,&rdquo; Gupta said.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">In most of the industries, about 60-70 per cent of the Nepali workers have returned home. Meanwhile, the workers from India who are unable to return home have stayed and are operating the industries.&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Likewise, industrialists complained that they are running out of raw materials along with essential resources for production.&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Avinash Bohara, a central member of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), said that the government has given permission for the operation of the food industry but operating the food industry alone is not enough. He suggested that other supporting industries like the ones that produce sacks, plastics and cartoons are also need to be run.</span></span></span></p>

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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11981',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Commercial Banks waiting for NRB Report on  COVID-19 Impact',
			'sub_title' => 'NBA Decides not to Implement CBFIN’s Decision',
			'summary' => 'April 24: Nepal Bankers’ Association (NBA) has decided to wait for the report of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) to study the impact of coronavirus on the economy before announcing any relief package. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 24: Nepal Bankers&rsquo; Association (NBA) has decided to wait for the report of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) to study the impact of coronavirus on the economy before announcing any relief package. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">A video conference meeting of NBA, an umbrella body of commercial banks, on Thursday decided not to agree with the announcement of the </span>Confederation of Banks and Financial Institutions Nepal (CBFIN) to lower the interest rate. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The meeting agreed to wait for the report prepared by a committee formed by the central bank to study the impact of COVID-19 before announcing any relief package, informed NBA President Bhuvan Dahal.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">&ldquo;CBFIN should have given suggestion to the central bank instead of announcing relief package. We have already informed the confederation that we cannot implement its decision,&rdquo; said Dahal.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">CBFIN, an umbrella organisation of commercial banks, development banks and financial institutions of the country, had on April 22 decided to charge one percent less interest on loans up to Rs 10 million from April 13 onward to small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs). </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The confederation said that its members decided to lower the interest rate considering the impact of coronavirus on the economy and the borrowers.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The confederation had also announced 10 percent discount on payment of interest within the month of Baishakh (mid-May). CBFIN said its members will also not slap any fine if the pending loans are cleared within mid-May. However, NBA has decided to wait for the decision of central bank before announcing any relief to their customers.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">However, NBA has already lowered the interest on deposit effective from April 13. <span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The commercial banks had said a week ago that they would reduce the interests on loans only from mid-March after calculating the base rate.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'sortorder' => '11731',
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	(int) 14 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11980',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Revenue Collection through Customs Points under Scrutiny',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 24: The government is preparing to increase revenue collection through the customs point to make up for the losses caused by the impact of COVID-19.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 24: The government is preparing to increase revenue collection through the customs point to make up for the losses caused by the impact of COVID-19.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The Ministry of Finance has issued an 18-point instruction to the Department of Customs to meet its target of revenue collection by preparing an alternative work plan.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Concluding that all the customs point have collected lower revenue than the set target, the ministry has instructed them to step up the revenue collection within the current fiscal year.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">After finding adequate stock of imported goods in the market, the government authorities are apprehensive that those goods might have been smuggled into the country. The ministry has instructed the department to collaborate with other government agencies and adopt a policy of interference in the market if the goods are getting access into the country through illegal channels. The ministry has demanded progress report in every seven days after monitoring the market for such goods.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The ministry believes that the goods imported in bulk through the customs points might have entered the country under the cover of something else. Government authorities suspect that the importers bring in expensive and branded goods declaring them to be of normal quality, thereby evading customs duty. The ministry has instructed the customs department to make sure such misappropriations do not take place.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Authorities expect an increase in revenue if they could ascertain the actual details of the goods declared by the importers.&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The customs offices have been instructed to take action against the importers if the declaration made by them does not match with the specifications of the goods.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11994',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Lockdown Period to be Counted as Public Holiday ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The government has announced public holiday during the lockdown period, the national news agency RSS reported. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 28: The government has announced public holiday during the lockdown period, the national news agency RSS reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to RSS, a notification issued by the government through the Nepal Gazette states that the lockdown period starting from March 24 and the extended period will be considered as public holiday as per Clause 2 of the Communicable Diseases Act, 2020 BS.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&quot;The chief of the offices concerned are required to decide to maintain the period during which all government offices, bodies or industries gave a holiday, in accordance with the order issued on March 22 and various dates after that, in the case of employees or workers with the salary and allowances they are entitled to, as a public holiday,&quot; RSS quoted the notice in the Nepal Gazettee as saying. </span></span></span></p>
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			'sortorder' => '11744',
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			'title' => 'Bhatbhateni Supermarket Fined for Overcharging Customers',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has slapped a fine of Rs 300,000 against Bhatbhateni Supermarket for selling daily essentials at a price more than the stated price of the goods. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 28: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has slapped a fine of Rs 300,000 against Bhatbhateni Supermarket for selling daily essentials at a price more than the stated price of the goods.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">A monitoring team from the Department had found that the Bhatbhateni Supermarket at Tangal had sold consumer goods exceeding the maximum retail price (MRP). The Department said the store has been fined as per the Consumer Protection Act, 2075.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Similarly, the Department fined a fine of Rs 100,000 to the MBT Food Store in Kapan as it was found operating without keeping the price list of commodities.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The government has permitted big stores including Bhatbhateni to operate even during the lockdown for the convenience of the people to buy essentials. The Department has intensified market monitoring despite the lockdown to prevent consumers from being cheated during the present adverse situation. -- RSS </span></span></span></p>
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			'sortorder' => '11743',
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			'article_date' => '2020-04-28 09:04:08',
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			'id' => '11992',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Consumers yet to Benefit from Fall in Vegetable Prices',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: The prices of vegetables in Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market has gone down significantly in the recent days. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 27: The prices of vegetables in Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market has gone down significantly in the recent days. But the consumers have been paying exorbitant prices for vegetables in the retail shops. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to the price list issued by the Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Development Committee, prices of most of the vegetables have reduced by 75 to 80 percent in one month since the lockdown was first imposed on March 24. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">This is due to the increase in domestic production of vegetables. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Likewise, most of the people have left the Kathmandu Valley and the hotels and restaurants are also closed due to which the demand for vegetables has dropped sharply. All these factors have resulted in reduction of prices of vegetables, according to Binay Shreshta, information officer at the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The prices of a variety of gourds has dropped by 66 percent, according to the list. Likewise, beans (80 percent), tomatoes (64 percent) and cauliflower (26 percent) have also witnessed significant reduction in prices.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Despite the significant decline in prices of vegetables in the wholesale market, consumers say they have not felt a drop in the prices of vegetables in the retail shops.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Cauliflower is available at a maximum price of Rs 25 per kilogram in Kalimati. However, the price of the same vegetable is between Rs 45 to Rs 50 at retail shops in Kirtipur, says Sanu Maiya Maharjan, a local of Kirtipur.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Likewise, onion imported from India is being sold at Rs 28 per kg at Kalimati but the same product is being sold at Rs 45 per kg elsewhere. Traders have been selling carrot at Rs 55 per kg in the retail market although it costs only Rs 30 per kg in the wholesale market.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">It has been found that the retail shops have been charging the consumers high prices as per their wish, taking advantage of the lockdown.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;"><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/3332_vege1.jpg" style="height:258px; width:450px" /></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '11991',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NRB Announces Concession on Interest Rates',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has announced concession on interest rates for the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 27: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has announced concession on interest rates for the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year. The central bank has also said that the deadline for payment of loans can be extended during the lockdown period.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Newly appointed Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Maha Prasad Adhikari made such announcement while unveiling a six-point decision taken by the central bank to address the financial crisis created due to the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus. NRB Goverrnor Adhikari made the announcement during the 65<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the central bank on Sunday (April 26).</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to officials at the central bank, preparations are underway to avail the sectors affected by coronavirus with working capital loan. The central bank is also working to amend the work procedure on renewal of loan.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;NRB will amend the work procedure on renewal of loan to facilitate the small and medium-scale enterprises, tourism industry and other sectors badly affected by coronavirus,&rdquo; said Adhikari.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The NRB governor said that the central bank will increase the fund for renewal of loan as per the requirement. The fund currently stands at Rs 60 billion. It may be noted that the NRB had recently increased the fund for renewal of loan from Rs 50 billion to Rs 60 billion.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Adhikari further said that the central bank will take appropriate measures to facilitate the flow of loans from the banking sector.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">He said that preparations are underway to reschedule or restructure the loan provided to the sectors affected by coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to Adhikari, the central bank is closely studying the impacts on the country&rsquo;s economy due to the lockdown. </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">He was of the view that the cost factor and timeframe of big projects would increase due to the disruption in supply of construction materials.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;The disruption in supply chain is expected to increase the cost of big projects and extend their deadline,&rdquo; said Adhikari, adding, &ldquo;Although we do not have the exact figures regarding the impact of coronavirus on the economy at the moment, we have been making efforts to minimize the effects and to bring the economy back on track.&rdquo;</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11990',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'No Yarsagumba Picking this Year',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: The local levels in Bajhang district have decided not to let people pick yarsagumba this year in the wake of lockdown enforced to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.   ',
			'content' => '<p><em>People heading to highlands in western Nepal to pick yarsagumba in this file photo. Photo: NBA Files</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 27: The local levels in Bajhang district have decided not to let people pick yarsagumba this year in the wake of lockdown enforced to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">People from Saipal, Surma, Bungal and other local levels in the district used to walk up the mountainous to comb meadows for the rare medicinal herb. With the onset of the New Year, it is time for the people here to pick the yarsagumba.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Chairperson of Saipal Rural Municipality Rajendra Dhami informed that people have been banned from collecting the medicinal herb because the crowd could spread the coronavirus. Yarsagumba is a major source of income for most of the people in Bajhang district.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">However, a local from Saipal Rural Municipality Bam Bahadur Bohara shared the plight that it would be difficult for them to manage family expense including children&#39;s school fee as they were not allowed to pick yarsagumba. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&quot;Not only the people from the district but those from neighbouring districts used to gather in thousands of number to collect the medicinal herb found at an altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 meters from Baisakh to Ashar (mid-April to mid-June),&quot; he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Even the schools used to remain closed as the children were taken together by the parents to comb the meadows for the rare plant. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11989',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Extends Lockdown by 10 days',
			'sub_title' => 'International Borders to Remain Closed until May 13',
			'summary' => 'April 26: The government has decided to extend the lockdown by ten days until May 7.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">April 26: The government has decided to extend the lockdown by ten days until May 7.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">A cabinet meeting took a decision to this effect on Sunday (April 26). </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, government spokesperson Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada informed that the lockdown has been &ldquo;extended until midnight of May 7 to minimize the risk of coronavirus infection&rdquo;.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The government had imposed the lockdown for the first time on March 24 after a case of coronavirus was reported in the country. So far, Nepal has confirmed 51 cases of coronavirus.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Khatiwada, who also holds the portfolio of finance as well as communication minister, added that the cabinet&nbsp; has decided to close the international borders of Nepal until May 13. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">According to Minister Khatiwada, the decision to restrict cross-border movement was taken considering the high risk of spreading coronavirus from people coming to Nepal from countries already reeling under the effect of the pandemic.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Meanwhile, the Council of Ministers also decided to allow migrant workers to join work in South Korea under the EPS agreement. He said workers can now start jobs in South Korea as per the mutual understanding reached between the two countries. &nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '11988',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Number of Coronavirus Cases Reach 52 in the Country ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: Three more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the country, according to the national news agency - RSS. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: Three more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the country, according to the national news agency - RSS. With this, the number of people infected with the virus has reached 53.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to RSS, two men in their 50&#39;s from Birgunj of Parsa and one person from Jhapa have tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday (April 26). Their swab samples were tested at Teku-based National Public Health Laboratory and the Koshi Provincial Hospital, according to co-spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr Samir Adhikari. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Those infected are under isolation and their health condition is said to be normal.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Altogether 16&nbsp; infected persons have already returned home after full recovery.&nbsp; The active number of cases stands at 36.</span></span></span></p>
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			'sortorder' => '11738',
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			'id' => '11986',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Preparing to Announce Budget on Time',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: The government is preparing to announce the annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2020/21 at a time when the country’s economy has been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: The government is preparing to announce the annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2020/21 at a time when the country&rsquo;s economy has been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Informed sources told New Business Age that the government has given high priority to health infrastructure as it prepares to announce the budget which will also give special emphasis to employment, tourism, industrial sector and agriculture reeling under the effects of the pandemic. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Sources at the Finance Ministry say that the budget this time will not include populist agenda.&nbsp; High-ranking officials at the ministry informed that the government is making preparations to announce the budget within the deadline of May 28 as per the constitutional provision to make the announcement one and a half months ahead of the new fiscal year.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Joint Secretary at the ministry, Uttar Kumar Khatri, said that the government has decided to allocate less budget for development purpose and focus on health services to control the spread of coronavirus as well as to increase employment opportunities.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to him, the government is planning to spend the maximum amount on prevention and treatment of coronavirus. He said that the government will ensure that the budget for national pride projects would not be interrupted while the budget for other infrastructural development projects would be channelized toward the health sector.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The Naational Planning Commission has set a ceiling of Rs 81 billion in the upcoming budget for the Ministry of Energy and&nbsp; Irrigation. The ministry had received Rs 83.49 billion in the current fiscal year. Likewise, the NPC has set a ceiling of Rs 33 billion for the Agriculture Ministry while that for the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has been set at Rs 58 billion. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Meanwhile,&nbsp; officials at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security say that the government is preparing to announce budget that would focus on creating employment opportunities to minimize the impact of coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Joint Secretary at the ministry Suman Ghimire informed New Business Age that the government is doing necessary homework to announce a special package of at least Rs 10 billion for self employment.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Coronavirus has mostly affected small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and the people from the low-income group are at the receiving end due to various measures imposed to stem the spread of coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Tourism, construction and production-oriented sectors have also been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus. Many people dependent on these sectors have lost their jobs. Therefore, economist Keshav Acharya suggests that the government should announce programmes in the budget that would address the problems of the labourers and low-income groups and provide them immediate relief.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11985',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => '80 Percent Workers Denied Salary: GEFONT ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: More than 80 percent of workers involved in the formal sector have not received salary for the month of Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April) even two weeks into the new month according to the Nepali calendar. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: More than 80 percent of workers involved in the formal sector have not received salary for the month of Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April) even two weeks into the new month according to the Nepali calendar. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">While announce relief for the sectors affected by coronavirus, the government has said that the companies were bound to pay the workers salary for mid-March to mid-April although it had exempted the contribution of 31 percent to the Social Security Fund during the crisis period. The government had decided to contribute the amount itself on behalf of the companies listed in the scheme.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Despite the government&rsquo;s support and assurance, the private sector has not paid salary to 80 percent of the workers, according to the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT).</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">GEFONT has started writing letters to the industries and other business organisations of the private sector to release the salary of the workers. The umbrella organisation of workers has also warned that the withholding or payment would deteriorate working environment in the industries.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to Kamalesh Jha, chairman of Province 2 chapter of GEFONT, some of the pharmaceutical companies have posted notices that read &ndash; &ldquo;No Work No Pay&rdquo;.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Although the government has clearly directed the industries to pay the workers, the companies are dilly dallying in making the payment on the pretext that they haven&rsquo;t received any instruction from the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) and the banks have not released the amount, said Jha.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;Some companies have paid the workers but many others have withheld the amount under various excuses,&rdquo; said Jha.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">More than 95 percent of industries across the country are shut due to the lockdown imposed by the government on March 24 to prevent the spread of coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11983',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Task Force Recommends Extending Lockdown by One Week',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: A task force formed by the High Level Coordination Committee to Control and Prevent Coronavirus has recommended the committee to extend the lockdown by a week.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: A task force formed by the High Level Coordination Committee to Control and Prevent Coronavirus has recommended the committee to extend the lockdown by a week. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The government had imposed the lockdown for the first time on March 24 to prevent the spread of coronavirus. After extension twice, the current lockdown is expiring on Monday (April 27). </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">A meeting of the task force headed by Chief Secretary Lok Darshan Regmi on Saturday recommended the full committee to extend the lockdown by another week.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Coordinator of the High Level Committee Ishwar Pokharel presented the&nbsp; recommendation of the task force to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli the same day.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The task force has recommended extending the lockdown while relaxing the rules in some places with low risk of infection. A cabinet meeting scheduled later on Sunday (today) will take a formal decision regarding the lockdown.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The committee reviewed the lockdown from different angles, informed Narayan Prasad Bidari, secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The government has been extending the lockdown after growing number of cases of coronavirus were reported in the country in recent days. Lockdown has proven to be effective to control the spread of coronavirus across the globe.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">As of Saturday, the confirmed cases of coronavirus has reached 49 in the country. Out of them, 12 patients have returned home after recovery, according to the Ministry of Health and Population.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'sortorder' => '11735',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11982',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'WHO Removes Nepal from High-Risk Zone',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has removed Nepal from the high-risk zone of COVID-19 infection, the state-run national news agency RSS reported on Saturday (April 25).  ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has removed Nepal from the high-risk zone of COVID-19 infection, the state-run national news agency RSS reported on Saturday (April 25).&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to RSS, the WHO has now placed it in the risk zone. The WHO&rsquo;s latest assessment was based on efforts Nepal has taken in the prevention and containment of the deadly virus.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to joint spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr Samir Adhikari, Nepal was earlier assessed as highly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to the emergence of virus in China to the north and its open border with India to the south. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">However, Nepal was removed from the list based on measures it applied in the prevention, control and treatment of the virus, RSS further said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">It may be noted that Nepal has imposed a nationwide lockdown since March 24 and has also sealed its international borders including with India to stem the spread of virus. Nepal&#39;s decision to implement lockdown has proved to be a timely measure against the virus as it lessened the risk of imported cases, said Dr Adhikari. </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'created' => '2020-04-26',
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			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11734',
			'image' => '20200426111352_WHO.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-04-26 11:12:59',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11987',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Growing Attraction Towards Coronavirus Insurance',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: Covid-19 insurance is gradually gaining public attention. ',
			'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">April 26: Covid-19 insurance is gradually gaining public attention. Insurance companies have started issuing insurance premium for Covid-19 coverage in Nepal from last Sunday, April 19. </span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Insurance Board of Nepal informed that the insurance companies have issued 9471 insurance premiums as of April 24 for covering coronavirus cases.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The insurance policies against coronavirus will cover family members and an individual. The companies have collected Rs 49.69 million insurance premium from the scheme, &nbsp;according to the Insurers Association.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The Insurance Board had issued this policy last week in collaboration with the Insurers Association due to the growing threat of corona virus in Nepal.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The insurance package is coordinated by Nepal Insurance Association and Shikhar Insurance is managing the insurance policy.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">According to statistics, Ajod Insurance has made the highest turnover for the Covid-19 insurance package. The company has sold 2667 &nbsp;insurance policies and collected Rs 997,000 insurance premium as of Friday. Likewise, Prudential Insurance has sold 2,158 premiums and collected Rs 914,000.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">IME Insurance has been able to insure 1,355 individuals. It has collected more than Rs 800,000 insurance premium. Shikhar Insurance has sold 1,073 insurance policies and collected Rs 625,000 premiums.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Other companies have sold less than 1,000 insurance policies. General Insurance, Oriental Insurance and Rastriya Bima have not been able to sell a single insurance premium for coronavirus so far.</span></span></h1>

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			'sortorder' => '11733',
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11984',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Food Industries Urge Government to Create Conducive Environment for Running their Business ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: Even though the government has given permission to food industries to operate during lockdown, the operators of such industries have expressed concerns regarding lack of conducive environment for running their business.',
			'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">April 26: Even though the government has given permission to food industries to operate during lockdown, the operators of such industries have expressed concerns regarding lack of conducive environment for running their business.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The stakeholders suggest that they may even have to shut down their industries if the government does not create a conducive environment for work.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Subodh Kumar Gupta, president of the Association of Nepalese Rice, Oil and Pulses Industries informed that the production capacity of the industries is declining day by day due to the inability to manage the daily essentials to run the industry.</span></span></h1>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">At present, none of the food industries in the country are capable to operate in their full capacity. Gupta informed that 40 percent of the existing industries are operating with 30 percent of their actual capacity.</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 production has almost declined by half compared to normal days. </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;That&rsquo;s why the government has to facilitate the industries, or else the industries would be closed,&rdquo; Gupta said.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">In most of the industries, about 60-70 per cent of the Nepali workers have returned home. Meanwhile, the workers from India who are unable to return home have stayed and are operating the industries.&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Likewise, industrialists complained that they are running out of raw materials along with essential resources for production.&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Avinash Bohara, a central member of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), said that the government has given permission for the operation of the food industry but operating the food industry alone is not enough. He suggested that other supporting industries like the ones that produce sacks, plastics and cartoons are also need to be run.</span></span></span></p>

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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11981',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Commercial Banks waiting for NRB Report on  COVID-19 Impact',
			'sub_title' => 'NBA Decides not to Implement CBFIN’s Decision',
			'summary' => 'April 24: Nepal Bankers’ Association (NBA) has decided to wait for the report of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) to study the impact of coronavirus on the economy before announcing any relief package. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 24: Nepal Bankers&rsquo; Association (NBA) has decided to wait for the report of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) to study the impact of coronavirus on the economy before announcing any relief package. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">A video conference meeting of NBA, an umbrella body of commercial banks, on Thursday decided not to agree with the announcement of the </span>Confederation of Banks and Financial Institutions Nepal (CBFIN) to lower the interest rate. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The meeting agreed to wait for the report prepared by a committee formed by the central bank to study the impact of COVID-19 before announcing any relief package, informed NBA President Bhuvan Dahal.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">&ldquo;CBFIN should have given suggestion to the central bank instead of announcing relief package. We have already informed the confederation that we cannot implement its decision,&rdquo; said Dahal.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">CBFIN, an umbrella organisation of commercial banks, development banks and financial institutions of the country, had on April 22 decided to charge one percent less interest on loans up to Rs 10 million from April 13 onward to small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs). </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The confederation said that its members decided to lower the interest rate considering the impact of coronavirus on the economy and the borrowers.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The confederation had also announced 10 percent discount on payment of interest within the month of Baishakh (mid-May). CBFIN said its members will also not slap any fine if the pending loans are cleared within mid-May. However, NBA has decided to wait for the decision of central bank before announcing any relief to their customers.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">However, NBA has already lowered the interest on deposit effective from April 13. <span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The commercial banks had said a week ago that they would reduce the interests on loans only from mid-March after calculating the base rate.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'sortorder' => '11731',
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	(int) 14 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11980',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Revenue Collection through Customs Points under Scrutiny',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 24: The government is preparing to increase revenue collection through the customs point to make up for the losses caused by the impact of COVID-19.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 24: The government is preparing to increase revenue collection through the customs point to make up for the losses caused by the impact of COVID-19.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The Ministry of Finance has issued an 18-point instruction to the Department of Customs to meet its target of revenue collection by preparing an alternative work plan.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Concluding that all the customs point have collected lower revenue than the set target, the ministry has instructed them to step up the revenue collection within the current fiscal year.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">After finding adequate stock of imported goods in the market, the government authorities are apprehensive that those goods might have been smuggled into the country. The ministry has instructed the department to collaborate with other government agencies and adopt a policy of interference in the market if the goods are getting access into the country through illegal channels. The ministry has demanded progress report in every seven days after monitoring the market for such goods.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The ministry believes that the goods imported in bulk through the customs points might have entered the country under the cover of something else. Government authorities suspect that the importers bring in expensive and branded goods declaring them to be of normal quality, thereby evading customs duty. The ministry has instructed the customs department to make sure such misappropriations do not take place.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Authorities expect an increase in revenue if they could ascertain the actual details of the goods declared by the importers.&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The customs offices have been instructed to take action against the importers if the declaration made by them does not match with the specifications of the goods.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11994',
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			'title' => 'Lockdown Period to be Counted as Public Holiday ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The government has announced public holiday during the lockdown period, the national news agency RSS reported. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 28: The government has announced public holiday during the lockdown period, the national news agency RSS reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to RSS, a notification issued by the government through the Nepal Gazette states that the lockdown period starting from March 24 and the extended period will be considered as public holiday as per Clause 2 of the Communicable Diseases Act, 2020 BS.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&quot;The chief of the offices concerned are required to decide to maintain the period during which all government offices, bodies or industries gave a holiday, in accordance with the order issued on March 22 and various dates after that, in the case of employees or workers with the salary and allowances they are entitled to, as a public holiday,&quot; RSS quoted the notice in the Nepal Gazettee as saying. </span></span></span></p>
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			'sortorder' => '11744',
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			'title' => 'Bhatbhateni Supermarket Fined for Overcharging Customers',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has slapped a fine of Rs 300,000 against Bhatbhateni Supermarket for selling daily essentials at a price more than the stated price of the goods. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 28: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has slapped a fine of Rs 300,000 against Bhatbhateni Supermarket for selling daily essentials at a price more than the stated price of the goods.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">A monitoring team from the Department had found that the Bhatbhateni Supermarket at Tangal had sold consumer goods exceeding the maximum retail price (MRP). The Department said the store has been fined as per the Consumer Protection Act, 2075.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Similarly, the Department fined a fine of Rs 100,000 to the MBT Food Store in Kapan as it was found operating without keeping the price list of commodities.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The government has permitted big stores including Bhatbhateni to operate even during the lockdown for the convenience of the people to buy essentials. The Department has intensified market monitoring despite the lockdown to prevent consumers from being cheated during the present adverse situation. -- RSS </span></span></span></p>
',
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			'sortorder' => '11743',
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			'article_date' => '2020-04-28 09:04:08',
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			'id' => '11992',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Consumers yet to Benefit from Fall in Vegetable Prices',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: The prices of vegetables in Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market has gone down significantly in the recent days. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 27: The prices of vegetables in Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market has gone down significantly in the recent days. But the consumers have been paying exorbitant prices for vegetables in the retail shops. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to the price list issued by the Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Development Committee, prices of most of the vegetables have reduced by 75 to 80 percent in one month since the lockdown was first imposed on March 24. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">This is due to the increase in domestic production of vegetables. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Likewise, most of the people have left the Kathmandu Valley and the hotels and restaurants are also closed due to which the demand for vegetables has dropped sharply. All these factors have resulted in reduction of prices of vegetables, according to Binay Shreshta, information officer at the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The prices of a variety of gourds has dropped by 66 percent, according to the list. Likewise, beans (80 percent), tomatoes (64 percent) and cauliflower (26 percent) have also witnessed significant reduction in prices.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Despite the significant decline in prices of vegetables in the wholesale market, consumers say they have not felt a drop in the prices of vegetables in the retail shops.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Cauliflower is available at a maximum price of Rs 25 per kilogram in Kalimati. However, the price of the same vegetable is between Rs 45 to Rs 50 at retail shops in Kirtipur, says Sanu Maiya Maharjan, a local of Kirtipur.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Likewise, onion imported from India is being sold at Rs 28 per kg at Kalimati but the same product is being sold at Rs 45 per kg elsewhere. Traders have been selling carrot at Rs 55 per kg in the retail market although it costs only Rs 30 per kg in the wholesale market.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">It has been found that the retail shops have been charging the consumers high prices as per their wish, taking advantage of the lockdown.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;"><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/3332_vege1.jpg" style="height:258px; width:450px" /></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '11991',
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			'title' => 'NRB Announces Concession on Interest Rates',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has announced concession on interest rates for the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 27: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has announced concession on interest rates for the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year. The central bank has also said that the deadline for payment of loans can be extended during the lockdown period.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Newly appointed Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Maha Prasad Adhikari made such announcement while unveiling a six-point decision taken by the central bank to address the financial crisis created due to the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus. NRB Goverrnor Adhikari made the announcement during the 65<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the central bank on Sunday (April 26).</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to officials at the central bank, preparations are underway to avail the sectors affected by coronavirus with working capital loan. The central bank is also working to amend the work procedure on renewal of loan.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;NRB will amend the work procedure on renewal of loan to facilitate the small and medium-scale enterprises, tourism industry and other sectors badly affected by coronavirus,&rdquo; said Adhikari.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The NRB governor said that the central bank will increase the fund for renewal of loan as per the requirement. The fund currently stands at Rs 60 billion. It may be noted that the NRB had recently increased the fund for renewal of loan from Rs 50 billion to Rs 60 billion.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Adhikari further said that the central bank will take appropriate measures to facilitate the flow of loans from the banking sector.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">He said that preparations are underway to reschedule or restructure the loan provided to the sectors affected by coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to Adhikari, the central bank is closely studying the impacts on the country&rsquo;s economy due to the lockdown. </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">He was of the view that the cost factor and timeframe of big projects would increase due to the disruption in supply of construction materials.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;The disruption in supply chain is expected to increase the cost of big projects and extend their deadline,&rdquo; said Adhikari, adding, &ldquo;Although we do not have the exact figures regarding the impact of coronavirus on the economy at the moment, we have been making efforts to minimize the effects and to bring the economy back on track.&rdquo;</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11990',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'No Yarsagumba Picking this Year',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: The local levels in Bajhang district have decided not to let people pick yarsagumba this year in the wake of lockdown enforced to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.   ',
			'content' => '<p><em>People heading to highlands in western Nepal to pick yarsagumba in this file photo. Photo: NBA Files</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 27: The local levels in Bajhang district have decided not to let people pick yarsagumba this year in the wake of lockdown enforced to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">People from Saipal, Surma, Bungal and other local levels in the district used to walk up the mountainous to comb meadows for the rare medicinal herb. With the onset of the New Year, it is time for the people here to pick the yarsagumba.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Chairperson of Saipal Rural Municipality Rajendra Dhami informed that people have been banned from collecting the medicinal herb because the crowd could spread the coronavirus. Yarsagumba is a major source of income for most of the people in Bajhang district.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">However, a local from Saipal Rural Municipality Bam Bahadur Bohara shared the plight that it would be difficult for them to manage family expense including children&#39;s school fee as they were not allowed to pick yarsagumba. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&quot;Not only the people from the district but those from neighbouring districts used to gather in thousands of number to collect the medicinal herb found at an altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 meters from Baisakh to Ashar (mid-April to mid-June),&quot; he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Even the schools used to remain closed as the children were taken together by the parents to comb the meadows for the rare plant. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
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			'id' => '11989',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Extends Lockdown by 10 days',
			'sub_title' => 'International Borders to Remain Closed until May 13',
			'summary' => 'April 26: The government has decided to extend the lockdown by ten days until May 7.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">April 26: The government has decided to extend the lockdown by ten days until May 7.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">A cabinet meeting took a decision to this effect on Sunday (April 26). </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, government spokesperson Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada informed that the lockdown has been &ldquo;extended until midnight of May 7 to minimize the risk of coronavirus infection&rdquo;.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The government had imposed the lockdown for the first time on March 24 after a case of coronavirus was reported in the country. So far, Nepal has confirmed 51 cases of coronavirus.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Khatiwada, who also holds the portfolio of finance as well as communication minister, added that the cabinet&nbsp; has decided to close the international borders of Nepal until May 13. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">According to Minister Khatiwada, the decision to restrict cross-border movement was taken considering the high risk of spreading coronavirus from people coming to Nepal from countries already reeling under the effect of the pandemic.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Meanwhile, the Council of Ministers also decided to allow migrant workers to join work in South Korea under the EPS agreement. He said workers can now start jobs in South Korea as per the mutual understanding reached between the two countries. &nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '11988',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Number of Coronavirus Cases Reach 52 in the Country ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: Three more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the country, according to the national news agency - RSS. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: Three more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the country, according to the national news agency - RSS. With this, the number of people infected with the virus has reached 53.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to RSS, two men in their 50&#39;s from Birgunj of Parsa and one person from Jhapa have tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday (April 26). Their swab samples were tested at Teku-based National Public Health Laboratory and the Koshi Provincial Hospital, according to co-spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr Samir Adhikari. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Those infected are under isolation and their health condition is said to be normal.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Altogether 16&nbsp; infected persons have already returned home after full recovery.&nbsp; The active number of cases stands at 36.</span></span></span></p>
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			'id' => '11986',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Preparing to Announce Budget on Time',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: The government is preparing to announce the annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2020/21 at a time when the country’s economy has been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: The government is preparing to announce the annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2020/21 at a time when the country&rsquo;s economy has been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Informed sources told New Business Age that the government has given high priority to health infrastructure as it prepares to announce the budget which will also give special emphasis to employment, tourism, industrial sector and agriculture reeling under the effects of the pandemic. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Sources at the Finance Ministry say that the budget this time will not include populist agenda.&nbsp; High-ranking officials at the ministry informed that the government is making preparations to announce the budget within the deadline of May 28 as per the constitutional provision to make the announcement one and a half months ahead of the new fiscal year.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Joint Secretary at the ministry, Uttar Kumar Khatri, said that the government has decided to allocate less budget for development purpose and focus on health services to control the spread of coronavirus as well as to increase employment opportunities.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to him, the government is planning to spend the maximum amount on prevention and treatment of coronavirus. He said that the government will ensure that the budget for national pride projects would not be interrupted while the budget for other infrastructural development projects would be channelized toward the health sector.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The Naational Planning Commission has set a ceiling of Rs 81 billion in the upcoming budget for the Ministry of Energy and&nbsp; Irrigation. The ministry had received Rs 83.49 billion in the current fiscal year. Likewise, the NPC has set a ceiling of Rs 33 billion for the Agriculture Ministry while that for the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has been set at Rs 58 billion. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Meanwhile,&nbsp; officials at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security say that the government is preparing to announce budget that would focus on creating employment opportunities to minimize the impact of coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Joint Secretary at the ministry Suman Ghimire informed New Business Age that the government is doing necessary homework to announce a special package of at least Rs 10 billion for self employment.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Coronavirus has mostly affected small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and the people from the low-income group are at the receiving end due to various measures imposed to stem the spread of coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Tourism, construction and production-oriented sectors have also been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus. Many people dependent on these sectors have lost their jobs. Therefore, economist Keshav Acharya suggests that the government should announce programmes in the budget that would address the problems of the labourers and low-income groups and provide them immediate relief.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11985',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => '80 Percent Workers Denied Salary: GEFONT ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: More than 80 percent of workers involved in the formal sector have not received salary for the month of Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April) even two weeks into the new month according to the Nepali calendar. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: More than 80 percent of workers involved in the formal sector have not received salary for the month of Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April) even two weeks into the new month according to the Nepali calendar. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">While announce relief for the sectors affected by coronavirus, the government has said that the companies were bound to pay the workers salary for mid-March to mid-April although it had exempted the contribution of 31 percent to the Social Security Fund during the crisis period. The government had decided to contribute the amount itself on behalf of the companies listed in the scheme.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Despite the government&rsquo;s support and assurance, the private sector has not paid salary to 80 percent of the workers, according to the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT).</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">GEFONT has started writing letters to the industries and other business organisations of the private sector to release the salary of the workers. The umbrella organisation of workers has also warned that the withholding or payment would deteriorate working environment in the industries.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to Kamalesh Jha, chairman of Province 2 chapter of GEFONT, some of the pharmaceutical companies have posted notices that read &ndash; &ldquo;No Work No Pay&rdquo;.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Although the government has clearly directed the industries to pay the workers, the companies are dilly dallying in making the payment on the pretext that they haven&rsquo;t received any instruction from the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) and the banks have not released the amount, said Jha.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;Some companies have paid the workers but many others have withheld the amount under various excuses,&rdquo; said Jha.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">More than 95 percent of industries across the country are shut due to the lockdown imposed by the government on March 24 to prevent the spread of coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11983',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Task Force Recommends Extending Lockdown by One Week',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: A task force formed by the High Level Coordination Committee to Control and Prevent Coronavirus has recommended the committee to extend the lockdown by a week.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: A task force formed by the High Level Coordination Committee to Control and Prevent Coronavirus has recommended the committee to extend the lockdown by a week. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The government had imposed the lockdown for the first time on March 24 to prevent the spread of coronavirus. After extension twice, the current lockdown is expiring on Monday (April 27). </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">A meeting of the task force headed by Chief Secretary Lok Darshan Regmi on Saturday recommended the full committee to extend the lockdown by another week.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Coordinator of the High Level Committee Ishwar Pokharel presented the&nbsp; recommendation of the task force to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli the same day.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The task force has recommended extending the lockdown while relaxing the rules in some places with low risk of infection. A cabinet meeting scheduled later on Sunday (today) will take a formal decision regarding the lockdown.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The committee reviewed the lockdown from different angles, informed Narayan Prasad Bidari, secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The government has been extending the lockdown after growing number of cases of coronavirus were reported in the country in recent days. Lockdown has proven to be effective to control the spread of coronavirus across the globe.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">As of Saturday, the confirmed cases of coronavirus has reached 49 in the country. Out of them, 12 patients have returned home after recovery, according to the Ministry of Health and Population.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'sortorder' => '11735',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11982',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'WHO Removes Nepal from High-Risk Zone',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has removed Nepal from the high-risk zone of COVID-19 infection, the state-run national news agency RSS reported on Saturday (April 25).  ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has removed Nepal from the high-risk zone of COVID-19 infection, the state-run national news agency RSS reported on Saturday (April 25).&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to RSS, the WHO has now placed it in the risk zone. The WHO&rsquo;s latest assessment was based on efforts Nepal has taken in the prevention and containment of the deadly virus.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to joint spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr Samir Adhikari, Nepal was earlier assessed as highly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to the emergence of virus in China to the north and its open border with India to the south. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">However, Nepal was removed from the list based on measures it applied in the prevention, control and treatment of the virus, RSS further said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">It may be noted that Nepal has imposed a nationwide lockdown since March 24 and has also sealed its international borders including with India to stem the spread of virus. Nepal&#39;s decision to implement lockdown has proved to be a timely measure against the virus as it lessened the risk of imported cases, said Dr Adhikari. </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'created' => '2020-04-26',
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			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11734',
			'image' => '20200426111352_WHO.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-04-26 11:12:59',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11987',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Growing Attraction Towards Coronavirus Insurance',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: Covid-19 insurance is gradually gaining public attention. ',
			'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">April 26: Covid-19 insurance is gradually gaining public attention. Insurance companies have started issuing insurance premium for Covid-19 coverage in Nepal from last Sunday, April 19. </span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Insurance Board of Nepal informed that the insurance companies have issued 9471 insurance premiums as of April 24 for covering coronavirus cases.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The insurance policies against coronavirus will cover family members and an individual. The companies have collected Rs 49.69 million insurance premium from the scheme, &nbsp;according to the Insurers Association.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The Insurance Board had issued this policy last week in collaboration with the Insurers Association due to the growing threat of corona virus in Nepal.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The insurance package is coordinated by Nepal Insurance Association and Shikhar Insurance is managing the insurance policy.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">According to statistics, Ajod Insurance has made the highest turnover for the Covid-19 insurance package. The company has sold 2667 &nbsp;insurance policies and collected Rs 997,000 insurance premium as of Friday. Likewise, Prudential Insurance has sold 2,158 premiums and collected Rs 914,000.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">IME Insurance has been able to insure 1,355 individuals. It has collected more than Rs 800,000 insurance premium. Shikhar Insurance has sold 1,073 insurance policies and collected Rs 625,000 premiums.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Other companies have sold less than 1,000 insurance policies. General Insurance, Oriental Insurance and Rastriya Bima have not been able to sell a single insurance premium for coronavirus so far.</span></span></h1>

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			'sortorder' => '11733',
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11984',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Food Industries Urge Government to Create Conducive Environment for Running their Business ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: Even though the government has given permission to food industries to operate during lockdown, the operators of such industries have expressed concerns regarding lack of conducive environment for running their business.',
			'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">April 26: Even though the government has given permission to food industries to operate during lockdown, the operators of such industries have expressed concerns regarding lack of conducive environment for running their business.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The stakeholders suggest that they may even have to shut down their industries if the government does not create a conducive environment for work.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Subodh Kumar Gupta, president of the Association of Nepalese Rice, Oil and Pulses Industries informed that the production capacity of the industries is declining day by day due to the inability to manage the daily essentials to run the industry.</span></span></h1>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">At present, none of the food industries in the country are capable to operate in their full capacity. Gupta informed that 40 percent of the existing industries are operating with 30 percent of their actual capacity.</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 production has almost declined by half compared to normal days. </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;That&rsquo;s why the government has to facilitate the industries, or else the industries would be closed,&rdquo; Gupta said.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">In most of the industries, about 60-70 per cent of the Nepali workers have returned home. Meanwhile, the workers from India who are unable to return home have stayed and are operating the industries.&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Likewise, industrialists complained that they are running out of raw materials along with essential resources for production.&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Avinash Bohara, a central member of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), said that the government has given permission for the operation of the food industry but operating the food industry alone is not enough. He suggested that other supporting industries like the ones that produce sacks, plastics and cartoons are also need to be run.</span></span></span></p>

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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11981',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Commercial Banks waiting for NRB Report on  COVID-19 Impact',
			'sub_title' => 'NBA Decides not to Implement CBFIN’s Decision',
			'summary' => 'April 24: Nepal Bankers’ Association (NBA) has decided to wait for the report of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) to study the impact of coronavirus on the economy before announcing any relief package. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 24: Nepal Bankers&rsquo; Association (NBA) has decided to wait for the report of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) to study the impact of coronavirus on the economy before announcing any relief package. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">A video conference meeting of NBA, an umbrella body of commercial banks, on Thursday decided not to agree with the announcement of the </span>Confederation of Banks and Financial Institutions Nepal (CBFIN) to lower the interest rate. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The meeting agreed to wait for the report prepared by a committee formed by the central bank to study the impact of COVID-19 before announcing any relief package, informed NBA President Bhuvan Dahal.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">&ldquo;CBFIN should have given suggestion to the central bank instead of announcing relief package. We have already informed the confederation that we cannot implement its decision,&rdquo; said Dahal.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">CBFIN, an umbrella organisation of commercial banks, development banks and financial institutions of the country, had on April 22 decided to charge one percent less interest on loans up to Rs 10 million from April 13 onward to small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs). </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The confederation said that its members decided to lower the interest rate considering the impact of coronavirus on the economy and the borrowers.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The confederation had also announced 10 percent discount on payment of interest within the month of Baishakh (mid-May). CBFIN said its members will also not slap any fine if the pending loans are cleared within mid-May. However, NBA has decided to wait for the decision of central bank before announcing any relief to their customers.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">However, NBA has already lowered the interest on deposit effective from April 13. <span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The commercial banks had said a week ago that they would reduce the interests on loans only from mid-March after calculating the base rate.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'sortorder' => '11731',
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	(int) 14 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11980',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Revenue Collection through Customs Points under Scrutiny',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 24: The government is preparing to increase revenue collection through the customs point to make up for the losses caused by the impact of COVID-19.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 24: The government is preparing to increase revenue collection through the customs point to make up for the losses caused by the impact of COVID-19.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The Ministry of Finance has issued an 18-point instruction to the Department of Customs to meet its target of revenue collection by preparing an alternative work plan.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Concluding that all the customs point have collected lower revenue than the set target, the ministry has instructed them to step up the revenue collection within the current fiscal year.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">After finding adequate stock of imported goods in the market, the government authorities are apprehensive that those goods might have been smuggled into the country. The ministry has instructed the department to collaborate with other government agencies and adopt a policy of interference in the market if the goods are getting access into the country through illegal channels. The ministry has demanded progress report in every seven days after monitoring the market for such goods.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The ministry believes that the goods imported in bulk through the customs points might have entered the country under the cover of something else. Government authorities suspect that the importers bring in expensive and branded goods declaring them to be of normal quality, thereby evading customs duty. The ministry has instructed the customs department to make sure such misappropriations do not take place.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Authorities expect an increase in revenue if they could ascertain the actual details of the goods declared by the importers.&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The customs offices have been instructed to take action against the importers if the declaration made by them does not match with the specifications of the goods.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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FOREX

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

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

Bullion

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

Update : 2020-03-25

Source: Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association

Petroleum

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