Start UTHP on time’

KATHMANDU: The people of Dolkha have emphasised on the need to launch Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project (UTHP) on time. The project is scheduled to take off in 2008. Feasibility study of Upper Tamakoshi Project in Dolkha has already been completed. The project funded by the Norwegian government was jointly studied by Norwegian consultant and Nepal Electricity Authority. The project is the cheapest plant of its type and is expected to produce 309 MW electricity. — RSS

Technology helps farmers

KAPILVASTU: Farmers in Kapilvastu, who were pursuing traditional methods of cultivating crops for long, have taken to modern zero tillage technology. Dozens of farmers in Pakadi, Dharmapaniya and other eastern VDCs of the district have grown wheat in about nine hectares using the new technology. Wheat has been cultivated in about 28,000 hectares in the district this year. — RSS

Oil prices cling to $53

SINGAPORE: Crude futures dipped slightly on Monday after the president of the OPEC assured traders over the weekend that the market is ‘well supplied.’ On the New York Mercantile Exchange, light, sweet crude for April delivery fell to $53.62 a barrel. — AP

Australia, China FTA talks

SYDNEY: Australian trade minister Mark Vaile will begin talks with China’s commerce minister Bo Xilai in Beijing on Tuesday to try to finalise a joint feasibility study for a free trade agreement. — AFP

Argentine prez, Rato meet

WASHINGTON: Argentine economy minister Roberto Lavagna arrived in Washington on Sunday to meet with IMF chief Rodrigo Rato to discuss his country’s planned debt swap aimed at bringing Argentina out of default. — AFP