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The Nepal Airlines Corporation is facing several economic crises due to the severe mismanagement, irregularities, and mismanagement. 

In this context, a report prepared by a committee headed by the former governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, Dipendra Bahadur Chhetri, has come up with a slew of recommendations to improve the national flag carrier. 
The long-term debt of the NAC stands at Rs 47bn. Looking at the current situation, it seems that the corporation will not be debt-free; in fact, it is likely to carry more debt. The report states that if  the NAC continues to operate this way, it will not be able to pay its debt.

According to the report released by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, even if new aircraft are added to its fleet, it will take a long time for the NAC to pay off its loans. To free the corporation from debt and make it profitable, the Chhetri-led committee recommends several solutions, such as converting into a corporate company by collaborating with strategic partners and dividing the company into three entities. 

The committee suggests that once the corporation is turned into a company limited, it can allocate shares up to a maximum of 40 percent to strategic partners. The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance should hold 26 percent of the total shares and the Ministry of Tourism 25 percent. It also advises allocating shares to organizations and employees. 

The committee has further suggested forming a board of directors with seven members, chaired by the secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. The members include representatives from the airlines, Ministry of Finance, strategic partners, and aviation experts.

As for dividing the company, the committee suggests breaking it into three parts: parent (holding) company, international flight subsidiary company, and domestic flight subsidiary company.
The committee states that the parent company should provide aviation-related professional training, maintenance and repair of aircraft and related equipment, ground service operation, catering arrangements, and technical and other services to the subsidiary companies as needed.

By dividing the role and responsibility, the committee reckons that the management and operation of the airlines will be more streamlined and effective.  

The gold is being traded at Rs 107, 300 per tola in the domestic market on Friday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 106, 800 per tola.

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 1,310 per tola today.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 10. 44 points to close at 1,956.92 points on Thursday.

Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 1. 53 points to close at 373. 37 points.

A total of 3,562,624-unit shares of 280 companies were traded for Rs 1. 10 billion.

Meanwhile, Barahi Hydropower Public Limited was the top gainer today its price surging by 9. 30 percent. Likewise, Infinity Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited was the top loser as its price fell by 9. 94 percent.

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 2. 98 trillion.

World Investor Week is being celebrated in Nepal by organizing various awareness programs throughout the country. The Securities Board of Nepal (Sebon), the securities market regulator, is leading the World Investor Week in Nepal from Oct 2-8 at the call of the International Organization of Securities Regulators (IOSCO).

Nepal is actively participating by organizing a series of events during these dates with the goal of empowering investors through increased education and awareness. Throughout this week, investors engaged in the securities market will receive education and awareness on various aspects of market development and improvement.

The Nepal Stock Exchange, CDS and Clearing Ltd, and stockbrokers are actively involved in these celebrations. Ramesh Hamal, chairman of Sebon, stated that the World Investor Week is observed in more than 100 countries as part of the IOSCO’s program. The primary objective of this program is to safeguard investors and promote financial literacy. This year’s celebration mainly focuses on Investor Resilience, Crypto Assets, and Sustainable Finance. “The World Investor Week celebrations commenced in Nepal and across the world on Monday, with different countries tailoring their programs to their financial literacy levels,” Hamal added.

Sebon has introduced various protocols for investor protection. During World Investor Week, Sebon is set to sign an agreement with the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), which will significantly enhance financial literacy at the business level through the federation’s network. “We will provide the resources, and FNCCI will organize the program,” he explained.

During the inauguration of World Investor Week on Monday, Minister for Finance Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat launched an artificial intelligence-based chatbot designed for investor education and grievance resolution. This chatbot offers a convenient platform for immediate responses to queries, information requests, and complaints related to the securities market, according to Sebon.

IOSCO has been celebrating World Investor Week since 2017, with the aim of empowering investors. In addition to Sebon, organizations such as Nepse, CDSC, Merchant Bankers Association, Stock Brokers Association, Credit Rating Institutions, Stock Dealers, and PE/VC Fund Managers are actively participating in the World Investor Week celebrations.

Nepse is informing investors about considerations while investing, CDSC is providing insights into share trading, and stockbrokers are conducting widespread activities during World Investor Week. The Stock Brokers Association of Nepal, an organization of stock brokers, co-organized the opening ceremony of World Investor Week on Monday. On Tuesday, members of the association disseminated awareness messages through their website, social media, and online platforms.

Dharmaraj Sapkota, the association’s president, said they would conduct over a dozen investor education and awareness programs across all provinces of the country during the week. These programs will take place in Birtamod, Banepa, Bardibas, Bharatpur, Kathmandu, Birgunj, Baglung, Syangja, Bhairahawa, Mahendranagar, and Jumla.

Additionally, the Securities Brokers Association Nepal, a new organization of stockbrokers, has initiated a week-long program for World Investors Week. The association organized a share awareness and training program at Reliance College in Saraswatinagar, Kathmandu. Sagar Dhakal, the association's president, stated that the awareness program will continue until Oct 8.

The association intends to conduct awareness and training programs at Kathford International College in Balkumari, Central Department of Management of Tribhuvan University in Kirtipur and Panauti Municipality in Panauti, Kavre. On Saturday, a rally will be taken out from Bhrikuti Mandap to Basantapur to raise awareness about investment. Participants will placards and banners related to investment education and literacy. Sebon Chairman Hamal will lead the profession. Likewise, the formal closing ceremony of the World Investor Week will be held on Oct 8.