Rastriya Janamorcha to launch nationwide campaign against federalism

The Rastriya Janamorcha has decided to launch a nationwide campaign against federalism. The first meeting of the national council held in Butwal on March 11 and 12 has decided to launch a nationwide campaign against federalism. Rastriya Janamorcha Chairman Chitra Bahadur KC said that the party has decided to launch the campaign against federalism from March 24 to April 3. The Janamorcha has been carrying out campaigns against federalism.  

Gold price increases by Rs 1, 600 per tola on Tuesday

The price of gold has increased by Rs 1, 600 per tola in the domestic market on Tuesday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 105, 700 per tola today. The gold was traded at Rs 104, 100  per tola on Monday. Meanwhile, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 105, 200 per tola. Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 1,300 per tola today.

Foreign employment bonds fail to attract investments from migrant workers

It has been 14 years since the government started issuing foreign employment bonds with the aim of mobilizing remittances for the country's economic development. However, this has so far failed to woo migrant workers and Nepalis residing abroad to subscribe to foreign employment bonds as per the expectation of the government. In fact, the average subscription of foreign employment bonds stood at just 5.22 percent, show data published by the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). The subscription rate has ranged between 0.07 percent to 33.49 percent, depending on the volume of bonds issued. Despite relatively higher interest rates, subscription of the bonds by the Nepali migrant workers has remained dismal. On the behalf of the government, NRB issued fresh foreign employment bonds worth Rs 500m last week. The interest rate offered for the bonds for the next five years stands at 12.5 percent. The central bank officials are not sure whether the higher interest rate would be enough to attract subscriptions to foreign employment bonds. In fact, the interest rate offered for the subscription of foreign employment bonds has continued to remain on the higher side since its inception in 2010. “It has not been clear why subscription has continued to remain disappointing for years,” said a senior NRB official. “In fact, no thorough study has been conducted to identify the real reason behind disinterest in subscribing to foreign employment bonds despite very good interest rates.” When foreign employment bonds were first issued on July 16, 2010, the interest rate was offered at 9.75 percent. And, never in the last 14 years, the offered interest rate has not been less than 9 percent. In the FY 2009/10, bonds worth Rs 1bn were issued but there had been a subscription of Rs 4m. In the next FY 2010/11, the government issued bonds worth Rs 5bn, of which Rs 3.38m worth units were subscribed, or 0.07 percent of the bonds issued. In the initial four years of its inception, bonds worth Rs 1bn were issued for three years and bonds worth Rs 5bn were issued in one year. Citing the poor response, the government started to decrease the size of the bonds in later years. The bonds worth Rs 250m to Rs 1bn were issued in the later years. In the last FY 2021/22, bonds worth Rs 500m were issued. But the subscription was worth Rs 56.7m only. The NRB official said that the lack of interest among migrant workers to buy bonds might be because it may not be on their priority list. “Most migrant workers prioritize running households, education and health of their children, buying a plot of land and building a modern house,” said the NRB official, adding, “Another factor might be the lack of financial literacy.” Foreign employment bonds cannot be purchased time and again. There is a certain window to buy such bonds. “They may not have money to buy the bonds when they are issued,” the official said. Even though remittances have been the main source of the foreign exchange reserves in the country for the last several years. Nepal’s remittance earnings increased 27 percent to Rs 689.88bn in the first seven months of the current FY 2022/23, as compared to the same period last year, according to NRB. The remittances have enabled the country to import goods by paying foreign exchange, and concerns are being expressed about its utilization in the non-productive sectors. The idea of introducing foreign employment bonds was conceptualized to utilize remittance for national development. “If we can create an environment where the migrant workers can subscribe to foreign employment bonds anytime in a year or extended period of time, there might be more subscription of bonds,” the NRB official said. “The government should itself be serious on the matter as it is its debt instrument.”  

Nepse plunges by 24. 68 points on Monday

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 24. 68 points to close at 1,951.21 points on Monday. Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 5. 46 points to close at 386. 49 points. A total of 3,369,136 unit shares of 256 companies were traded for Rs 1. 16 billion. Meanwhile, Shuvam Power Limited was the top gainer today with its price surging by 9. 98 percent. Likewise, Khaptad Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited was the top loser with its price dropped by 7. 62 percent. At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 2. 82 trillion.

Suzuki launches Grand Vitara and all-new Brezza

CG|Motocorp and CG|NXTGEN, the authorized distributor of Suzuki four-wheelers for Nepal, has launched Grand Vitara and Brezza in the Nepali market. "The Grand Vitara is a legendary vehicle from the Suzuki stable. The new avatar features Suzuki's signature crafted futurism design language, with distinct exterior and premium interiors," the company said in a press statement. According to the statement, the Grand Vitara's off-road capability is boosted by Suzuki All Grip Technology while offering segment-leading features. The SUV also features the fuel-efficient revolutionary Full Hybrid Powertrain. The new Brezza, on the other hand, is a new generation of one of the largest-selling SUVs in Nepal. The SUV is equipped with a bouquet of cutting-edge technologies along with next-gen comfort and convenience features. Taking a major leap forward, this sporty SUV offers a stylish and exciting new design, powerful performance, and advanced safety features. According to the company, the new Brezza is loaded with hi-tech features that come really handy when driving in the city and offroad. The company believes these two new vehicles will strengthen Suzuki's presence in the ready competitive SUV segment while offering the best in class features, safety, and technology. "SUV has seen high growth in Nepal, especially due to the different driving conditions we have here. The customers have shown a strong inclination towards an assertive design, a dominant road presence, and new-age technology. The new Grand Vitara and Brezza will be game changers with their many segment-first features, advanced technological offering, premium interiors, and strong presence," said Karan Chaudhary, Executive Director of CG|Motocorp. The company said the new Grand Vitara comes up with artfully designed exteriors and interiors, and revolutionary technology catering to the new-age customers’ needs. The SUV is equipped with Next-gen technologies such as colored heads-up display, 360 view camera with approaching object detection and dynamic reverse gridlines, a Smart Play Pro+ infotainment system, and a Qi-certified wireless charger with an LED indicator. It features a panoramic sunroof, an all-new full digital instrument cluster, and driver and co-driver ventilated seats. Built on the acclaimed Suzuki TECT platform, the Grand Vitara is secured with the Suzuki Safety Shield. It is equipped with six airbags (front, side and curtain), an electronic stability program with hill hold assist, 3-point ELR seat belts, and rear disc brake across all variants. Similarly, the new Brezza has modern and spacious interiors with dual-tone black and new rich brown interiors (dynamic honeycomb pattern) for a sporty and urban feel. The SUV has distinct interior ambient lighting for a sophisticated cabin experience, a wider instrument panel and wider rear seats for comfortable long drives. The new Brezza also boasts a colored heads-up display, 360 view camera with approaching object detection & dynamic reverse gridlines, and a 9-inch Smart Play Pro+ infotainment system. The SUV is also packed with safety features such as six airbags, an electronic stability program with hill hold assist, reverse parking sensors, and a high-speed alert system, among others. Pricing Details

S.N  Model  Variant  MRP  Intro Offer
1 Grand Vitara Smart Hybrid Zeta 5MT Rs 6.39 million Rs 6.09 million
2 Grand Vitara Smart Hybrid Alpha 2WD Monotone 5MT Rs 7.19 million Rs 6.89 million
3 Grand Vitara Smart Hybrid Alpha 2WD Dueltone 5MT Rs 7.22million Rs 6.92 million
4 Grand Vitara Smart Hybrid Alpha 4WD Monotone 5MT Rs 7.99 million Rs 7.59 million
5 Grand Vitara Smart Hybrid Alpha 4WD Dueltone 5MT Rs 8.02 million Rs 7.62 million
6 Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid Zeta+ Monotone e-CVT Rs 8.39 million Rs 7.99 million
7 Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid Zeta+ Dueltone e-CVT Rs 8.42 million Rs 8.02 million
8 Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid Alpha+ Monotone e-CVT Rs 8.79 million Rs 8.49 million
9 Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid Alpha+ Monotone e-CVT Rs 8.82 million Rs 8.52 million
10 Breeza Smart Hybrid Breeza LXI Rs 4.49 million Rs 4.19 million
11 Breeza Smart Hybrid Breeza VXI Rs 4.89 million Rs 4.59 million
12 Breeza Smart Hybrid Breeza ZXI Mono tone Rs 5.09 million Rs 4.79 million
13 Breeza Smart Hybrid Breeza ZXI Dual tone Rs 5.12 million Rs 4.82 million
14 Breeza Smart Hybrid Breeza ZXI+ Mono tone Rs 5.59 million Rs 5.29 million
15 Breeza Smart Hybrid Breeza ZXI+ Dual tone  Rs 5.62 million Rs 5.32 million
 

Nepal thump PNG by 9 wickets

Nepal hammered Papua New Guinea (PNG) by nine wickets in the final tri-series of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 held at the TU cricket ground in Kirtipur on Monday. Nepal chased down the target of 96 runs set by PNG in 7.6 overs by losing just one wicket. Opener Asif Sheikh scored unbeaten 53 runs off 21 balls hitting eight boundaries and three sixes. Kushal Bhurten scored 33 runs of 14 balls. Similarly, Kushal Malla made 12 runs off 13 balls. Nepal won the toss and invited PNG to bat first. PNG were bundled out in 32 overs. Lalit Rajbansi of Nepal claimed two wickets. Likewise, Kushal Malla took wickets and Sompal Kami claimed one wicket. Sese Bau returned to the pavilion by scoring 18 runs while Hiri Hiri made 14 runs. Similarly, captain Assad Vala made 20 runs and Charles Amini scored 16 runs. Nepal will lock their horns with the UAE on Thursday.

You’re the perfection

The beauty fascinating me Isn’t far but not close Got the scars but see What it shows Perfection! Glance to the moon there Shining with its flaws No wonder with no fear What others think and see what it cause Perfection!   Be yourself, be you Then see the happiness you gain Love you receive many be few But no longer fake or drain “You” means Perfection!   Love yourself, they’ll love you Learn to improve rather complain Now let’s build the better new Walk through the right lane That leads Perfection!   Find a reason and cheer up Wear the smile that suits you Let the sorrow scrub Get the best version of you There comes Perfection!   Let your soul light up And watch the glow Wish to the top No matter fast or slow You reach perfection!   Simran Dawadi Class: 9 Campion School

On the other end

They say souls have a red string, That connects them through Dimensions beyond our comprehension. A thread in the fabric of time Sewing curtains of love In countless past lives, we forget, Like dainty dreams and the silver line. Invisible to the naked eye, Absent from the human touch, It still intertwines the souls, And pulls the vessels from their necks, Until their heart collides. So I stay here pulling thin air, In hopes, that I will find you, On the other end Abhigya Shrestha Class: X ‘A’ Rato Bangala School, Patan