Herbs under threat

DAMAULI: Many important herbs in Tanahun district are on the verge of extinction because of the neglegency. The herbs with medicinal value are being wasted as no detailed study has been carried out on their state, distribution and their long-term use. According to the statistics, the district has 71 types of herbs. But the experts said that the district could have some 200-300 varieties of herbs. — RSS

QA to increase flights

KATHMANDU: Qatar Airways (QA) has announced plans to increase frequency on its Doha-Osaka route this winter with an additional flight ahead of the biggest ever-sporting event taking place in Qatar. With the 15th Asian Games taking place in Doha between December 1 to 15, the Doha-based airline is increasing the number of flights on the Osaka route from five to six services a week. — HNS

Japan’s deflation over

TOKYO: Japanese finance minister Koji Omi said that the Japanese economy has finally beaten deflation, breaking from the government’s previously stated view that mild price falls persisted. “Looking at the economy in general, we can declare an end to deflation,” said Omi, who was appointed by new prime minister. “It is unnatural for us not to announce the end to deflation at this moment.” — AFP

Economy in shape

SYDNEY: Australia’s central bank met to consider interest rates on Tuesday, with most economists predicting no movement amid signs the economy is in good shape. The Reserve Bank of Australia will announce the decision of its monthly monetary policy meeting on Wednesday, with rates expected to remain at six per cent. A change in interest rate settings is neither expected nor warranted. — AFP

WB loans Philippines

MANILA: The Philippines signed three loans worth $410 million with the World Bank, the country’s biggest assistance package from the multilateral agency since the late 1990s. The World Bank, whose stated goal is to reduce poverty, said the loans will help finance the central government’s basic education and health reform programmes. — AP