Trekkers’ number rises:

POKHARA: The number of tourists trekking in the Annapurna area has increased by four per cent in 2004 compared to that of the last year. The positive message spread in the world that tourist places and tourists have not suffered from the ongoing conflict in Nepal is the main cause for the increase in tourists’ number coming to Annapurna, said Gehendra Gurung, director of the Annapurna Conservative Area Project. — RSS

50 small units closed:

MYAGDI: Over 50 small and cottage industries registered at the cottage and small industries office have have reportedly been closed due to the lack of raw materials. The other causes for the closure are the lack of petroleum products and bandhs and blockades, according to Ratna Prakash Shrestha, chief of the office. — RSS

Viruses on the upswing:

LOS ANGELES: Email-based viruses and worms will be on the upswing in 2005 and are likely to attack handheld devices, cell phones and embedded computers in cars, Xinhua reports. A latest IBM report says email-based worms and viruses, such as Bagle, Netsky and Mydoom, wreaked havoc on corporate networks in 2004. — HNS