Direct flights from Pokhara to Australia in the offing
One can now fly to Australia from Pokhara and from Australia to Pokhara.
This will be possible after Sichuan Airlines of China begins flights to Australia from Pokhara International Airport.
The Airlines has sought permission from the regulatory body, Nepal Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal to operate flights to Australia via Chengdu starting from Pokhara.
According to CAAN Information Officer Gyanendra Bhol, Sichuan Airlines has sought permission to fly to Australia via Chengdu and preparations are being made to grant the permission after completing the necessary procedures.
The company plans to operate flights from September. "Bilateral discussions are underway to formally finalize the process. The flight schedule is to be submitted by the concerned airlines soon," said information officer Bhol.
Earlier, Sichuan Airlines had operated chartered flights to Pokhara International Airport for some time. The company now wants to operate regular flights to Australia as a new destination.
Sichuan Airlines is the largest airline in Western China, headquartered in Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Indian tourists allowed to bring Indian currency equivalent to USD 5, 000
Nepal Rastra Bank has made arrangements for Indian nationals to bring an equivalent of USD 5, 000 in Indian currency during their visit to Nepal.
With this new policy, tourism business in the border areas is expected to exceed further.
Previously, business owners complained about the provision allowing only INR 20, 000.
The federal government, through the budget for the current fiscal year announced on May 29, has made it possible for travelers entering Nepal by air or land to bring foreign currency or travelers' cheque equivalent to five thousand US dollars that will be exchangeable in Nepal.
The central bank issued a public notice on August 26, allowing Nepali or foreign citizens to bring foreign currency up to USD 5, 000 in cash.
Hari Pant, President of the Hotel and Tourism Entrepreneurs Association in Birgunj, shared that the provision allowing Indian tourists to bring Indian rupees equivalent to USD 5, 000 without customs declaration would provide relief to the local tourism entrepreneurs.
Birgunj has more than 85 hotels, including four-star hotels. However, tourists have not been able to extend their stay as expected.
Entrepreneurs in the tourism sector say that the local tourism industry is sustained largely by Indian tourists.
Nepse surges by 53. 01 points on Wednesday
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 53.01 points to close at 2,819.10 points on Wednesday.
Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 8.52 points to close at 483. 42 points.
A total of 14,986,142-unit shares of 321 companies were traded for Rs 7. 68 billion.
Meanwhile, Bikash Hydropower Company Limited (BHCL) was the top gainer today, with its price surging by 10. 00 percent. Likewise, 10.25% KBL Debenture 2086 (KBLD86) was the top loser as its price fell by 5. 79 percent.
At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 71 trillion.
Subsidy amount to be transferred to sugarcane farmers' account by Thursday
The government has released a total amount of Rs 754.93 million to provide subsidies for sugarcane farmers.
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has released the amount which will be transferred to the beneficiaries' bank account through the district-based Treasury and Financial Comptroller offices, reported the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD).
Although the Cabinet meeting had earlier decided to provide a subsidy of Rs 35 per quintal to sugarcane farmers, the MoF delayed the disbursement citing technical issues.
The delay prompted the disgruntled sugarcane farmers to stage Kathmandu-centric protest programs. Also, the government's decision to halve the subsidy-previously Rs 70 per quintal-further fueled their decision to take to the street.
Although MoALD had proposed continuing the same amount this year as well, the Cabinet meeting decided to provide Rs 35 per quintal taking into account the country's current economic condition and needs.
Meanwhile, representatives of the MoALD and Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies and protesting sugarcane farmers held a meetibg on Tuesday at Singha Durbar.
Lalan Kumar Singh, Deputy Director General of Department of Agriculture, and Lal Kumar Shrestha and Maniratna Aryal, Under-Secretaries of the MoALD among others represented the government side while Shyam Babu Raya led the sugarcane farmers in the talks.
It may be noted that Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development Ramnath Adhikari on last Tuesday had formed a four-member team in a bid to address the demands of protesting sugarcane farmers.
