Mobile service to expand

SURKHET: Mobile phone service is to be extended to Surkhet, the mid-western regional headquarters, from the beginning of the next fiscal year. Nepal Telecom (NT), New Services Directorate, Lalitpur has already carried out survey to construct tower. It has signed an agreement with Hulas Steel Industries for the construction of towers. — RSS

Programme effective

NAWALPARASI: The village development programme run in five VDCs of Nawalparasi district by the DDC Local Development Fund in assistance with UNDP for the last few years has been effective. Initiated from Somani and Benimanipur VDCs in 1997, the programme was extended to Sarawal, Deurali and Naya Belhani VDCs in 1998. — RSS

Oil prices take a tumble

LONDON: Oil prices fell sharply again on news that oil stocks in the US are at their highest for almost three years. The dollar meanwhile surged in the wake of hawkish remarks from the Federal Reserve. US light crude futures traded at $53.40. — The Guardian