Cottage firms shut

MYAGDI: The Small and Cottage Industry Development, Myagdi, has winded up some 330 cottage industries in the district. The industries were closed down as they did not renew their registration with the Small and Cottage Industry Office until fiscal year 2063-64 BS. Some 598 industries have been registered with the office. The small industries which have not renewed their registration include shops, noodles factories, mills and garment units. — RSS

Indian inflation high

NEW DELHI: India’s inflation rate remained unchanged near two-year highs of almost 6.5 per cent, according to data on Friday, keeping the government under pressure to stem rising prices. The wholesale price index, India’s most closely watched cost-of-living monitor, showed inflation was 6.46 per cent for the week ending March 10, the same level as the previous week and slightly below analysts’ forecasts. But the rate, wh-ich was just 3.80 per cent a year ago, was still sharply above the ceiling of 5.5 per cent set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the central bank. — AFP

Thai, Japan trade deal

BANGKOK: Thailand’s military-installed Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont is set to visit Japan next month, when he could sign a free trade deal, government spokesman said on Friday. Japanese ambassador Hideaki Kobayashi met with Surayud at his office Friday to plan the April 2-5 trip, which will include a bilateral meeting with his counterpart Shinzo Abe, the spokesman said. The two could sign a free-trade deal, if Thailand’s cabinet gives its approval next week, spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp told reporters. — AFP