KATHMANDU: The government of Norway has decided to provide Rs 360 million in grant assistance to Save the Children, an organisation working for children's welfare in Nepal. The assistance amount will be provided to the two-year project operated by the organisation, according to the Norwegian embassy here. The grant will be spent on Nepali children's education and security. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding this was signed on Friday.

Handicraft fair

KATHMANDU: The eighth handicraft trade fair and sixth art competition will be organized at Bhrikuti Mandap here with a view to promote Nepali handicraft. Federation of Handicraft Association of Nepal (FHAN) has organized the fair that will start from February 18. According to the organizers, there will be 150 stalls in the fair. Nepali exports handicrafts worth around $4 million every year.

Smuggler held

MYAGDI: Police confiscated 100 kg of valuable stones hidden in sacks of potato from a man who was trying to smuggle it out of the district. Asman Gurung of Mudi VDC-3 was arrested while trying to smuggle out the valuable stones. Acting on a tip-off, police raided a hut where the sacks of potatoes were kept and confiscated the stones. Gurung has been handed over to the District Forest Office. Police said the sale or export of this type of stone is prohibited. Special permission is required from the authorities for its sale or export. The stone is used in making silver rings and in acupuncture therapy.

Orange yield down

TANAHUN: Orange yield in Tanadun district fell by 25 per cent this year. The disrict agriculture office said orange worth Rs 190 million was produced this year while production was worth Rs 250 million last year. The yield dropped due to hailstorm and unfavourable weather. However, farmers got good price. They sold oranges at Rs 50-60 per kg.