Author: space4knews

June 2, Pokhara – LG, in collaboration with its official distributor CG Electronics, has launched a new range of home appliances called the ‘Essential Series.’ The series was officially introduced during a special event held at the Temple Bell Hotel in Pokhara. Launched under the campaign ‘Every Home’s Happiness, LG in Every Household,’ the Essential Series incorporates modern technology, excellent performance, durability, and affordable pricing, the company stated. Designed with the daily needs of Nepali families and the local environment in mind, these products aim to enhance a quality lifestyle more conveniently, according to LG.

The new series includes specially designed products for the Nepali market, such as a double-door refrigerator, a fully automatic top-load washing machine, and a room air conditioner. The Essential Series double-door refrigerator features frost-free technology, eliminating the need for manual defrosting. Its smart mode automatically adjusts humidity levels according to seasonal requirements. Compared to previous models, it offers 20 percent more vegetable storage capacity, effectively addressing the needs of Nepali households, the company claims.

The Essential Series fully automatic top-load washing machine is designed to suit various environmental conditions in Nepal. It includes features such as a sealed motor, BMC cover, and an IPX-4 certified water-resistant control panel. Additionally, the low-pressure fill technology ensures effective washing even under low water pressure, the company said.

The Essential Series room air conditioner incorporates energy-efficient technology to provide effective cooling and heating functions. Consuming less electricity than traditional non-inverter air conditioners, it uses an eco-friendly R-32 refrigerant. It also operates with low noise, offering users a more comfortable experience, the company added. According to LG, sales and distribution of the Essential Series across Nepal have been ongoing since June 2026. The starting price of the initial models is approximately NPR 49,690. These products will be available nationwide through official brand shops, multi-brand retail outlets, and major e-commerce platforms.

June 19, Kathmandu – The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has imposed fines and taken action against several firms for serious negligence during a market inspection. During the inspection conducted on Friday, the department fined four firms a total of Rs 426,000 for endangering consumer health and violating regulations.

According to the department, Corner Point Restaurant and Bar Pvt. Ltd., located in Neurod, Kathmandu, was fined the highest amount of Rs 201,000. The restaurant was found using Saanglo (a toxic residue) in the oil meant for pizza preparation, along with expired ‘salsa sauce’ and ‘fruit syrup.’

Similarly, Origin Ventures Group Pvt. Ltd. in Chovar, Kirtipur, was fined Rs 200,000. This firm was found selling expired Century Sekuwa Masala, lemon iced tea, and unlabeled bread products. The department also seized and destroyed these materials.

During the inspection, Indreni Paints and Hardware in Teku was fined Rs 20,000 for failing to produce purchase bills, and Pokhreli Lumbini Tandoori Bhojanalaya in New Baneshwar was fined Rs 5,000. A total of 12 industries and firms were inspected on Friday.

In addition to fines, the department has ordered AKR Foods in Madhyapur Thimi and Matrix Pvt. Ltd. in Sanepa, Lalitpur, to present their business registration certificates, PAN, and purchase-sale bills within three days. Six other firms with minor deficiencies were given recommendations for improvements during the inspection.

Kathmandu, 19 Asar: The Dairy Development Corporation (DDC), which was recently facing severe financial crisis likened to a “white elephant,” is claimed to have been successfully revitalized within the first 100 days under the leadership of Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s government. Due to the direct interest of Prime Minister Shah, initiatives and directions from the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Environment Gita Chaudhary, and active efforts in market management, the corporation has made notable progress during this period.

Frequent leadership changes within the institution had previously hampered progress. The post of General Manager, which had remained vacant for a long time, was filled through ministerial-level decisions with the appointment of the Ministry’s Undersecretary Dr. Sharan Pandey. After assuming office, he prioritized settling outstanding payments to farmers within three months.

The DDC’s earlier condition was very dire. Although it collected milk from farmers, payments used to be delayed by 8 to 9 months. However, this outstanding period has now been reduced to three months. There had been widespread practices of employees using thousands of rupees worth of milk and ghee for free against regulations, incurring unnecessary transportation costs, and showing little attention to quality—all of which eroded consumer trust. Over the past 100 days, these distortions have been addressed, and the corporation has succeeded in restoring its professional image.

The reform efforts began following a 9-point directive issued during the first week of Jestha by Agriculture Minister Chaudhary, aimed at improving overall management of the DDC. The minister instructed the public disclosure of accounts over the past five years, collection of arrears, mandatory implementation of electronic attendance, and immediate elimination of unlawful staff benefits. In line with these directives, the corporation has tightened administrative and financial discipline.

According to sources close to Prime Minister Shah, the most significant progress of the DDC is visible in the timely payments to farmers and price increases. The payment delay period has been reduced from 8 months to three months. “In the last two months, from 20 Baisakh to 19 Asar, the institution has paid NPR 415 million to farmers,” the source stated. Efforts are underway to further reduce the payment cycle to 25 days by the first week of Bhadra. Previously, the DDC owed farmers approximately NPR 600 million.

To encourage farmers, the milk purchase price per liter has been raised from NPR 65 to NPR 66, which is expected to rebuild farmers’ trust in the institution. Prime Minister Shah’s influence and the unified cabinet have also played a crucial role in promoting DDC products through public campaigns. Shah’s messaging about local production and DDC’s quality has attracted consumers toward government products.

June 19, Kathmandu – The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation claims to have completed 73 percent of its tasks within the first 100 days of the current government’s formation. Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, during his first month in office, issued a 32-point directive to enhance the ministry’s performance, aiming to make it more effective, accountable, and results-oriented. To ensure the directive’s effective implementation, the ministry conducted a progress review. Based on the review, about 70 percent of the planned tasks have been successfully accomplished, while the remaining 30 percent are in the implementation phase. According to Minister Shrestha’s secretariat, he is firmly committed to results-driven good governance, effective service delivery, and institutional reform. The secretariat also stated that the ministry continues to work diligently to complete all tasks on time and enhance its performance further.

Prabal Adhikari, former Deputy Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, described the ministry’s progress as “policy and paper-based” and said it will take more time to see real outcomes on the ground. Adhikari explained that reforms and plans in the energy sector are long-term, making it difficult to assess their success or failure within just 100 days. “Energy sector improvements do not happen overnight,” he said. “The licenses, PPAs, and structural reforms introduced by the ministry are still in the pipeline. It will take more time to see their results.”

Although the ministry reported 70 percent progress, Adhikari recalled that previous ministers also claimed 80 to 85 percent success. According to him, the problem lies not in the documents but in implementation. “We are often successful on paper and in reports, but project progress on the ground is very slow. Small projects still take 12 to 15 years to complete, and cost overruns remain unresolved,” he added.

The government has advanced significant initiatives such as restructuring the Nepal Electricity Authority and revoking licenses of stalled hydropower projects. However, Adhikari pointed out that broad stakeholder consultation was lacking before making these critical decisions. “Delays in projects are not solely the private sector’s fault; the state also plays a role. Canceling licenses single-handedly or introducing new policies without identifying root causes risks repeating past problems in the future,” he warned.

Highlighting the faster completion of long-delayed work with private sector participation, Adhikari emphasized the need for the government to operate in a ‘mission mode.’ “Budget and policies should not be mere fiscal-political documents but roadmaps for development. The government must establish standards by showing tangible results on the ground, not just through reports,” he said.

Positive Intent in Performance: Uttam Blon Lama, Senior Vice President of the Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal (IPPAN), expressed that the government’s intent during the first 100 days is positive. He noted that the government has a clear vision of how to advance the energy sector, leaving no room for doubt about its intent. “One hundred days is not sufficient for a full evaluation of any government, but based on current intent, the government appears to be taking affirmative steps toward the energy sector’s development,” Lama said.

Pointing out that the private sector holds an 80 percent share in energy production, he stressed the need for the government to work closely with private stakeholders. “As the private sector’s role in transmission lines and other infrastructure grows in the future, close coordination will be crucial,” he added. Although some promising points were noted in the budget, Lama remarked that many issues in the energy sector still require attention and expressed hope that those issues will be addressed effectively in the coming days.