Revenue collection up

BHIMPHEDI: The Inland Revenue Office, Hetauda, collected Rs 266.9 million revenue during the first six months of the current fiscal year. The office said it collected Rs 163.5 million from excise duty, Rs 58.8 million from income tax and Rs 44.6 million from VAT. The revenue is Rs 11 million more than the revenue collected during the same period in the last year, according to senior tax officer Mohan GC. — RSS

Bird flu alert

JHALARI: Kanchanpur district has been on high alert as it is bordering district and is vulnerable to bird flu that was seen in West Bengal of India, recently. Livestock and poultry related products and eggs have been banned to import from the Gadda Chauki point of the border, said the District Livestock Office said. According to Dr Bed Prakash Bhatta of the office, they took the decision after discussion between concerned and entrepreneurs. — RSS

Alterative energy fund

ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi will invest $15 billion in alternative energy projects under Masdar initiative, the emirate’s multi-faceted investment programme to develop innovative technologies for renewable, alternative and sustainable energy. Addressing the inaugural session of World Future Energy Summit, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the emirate was committed to striking a balance between meeting world’s energy demand as well as persevering the environment for future generations. — HNS

S Korea, GCC FTA

SEOUL: South Korea on Monday said it is exploring the possibility of a free trade agreement (FTA) with the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it would convene a meeting of government officials and experts to discuss a FTA. — HNS