Japanese donation

KATHMANDU: Japanese Ambassador Tsutomu Hiraoka on Saturday handed over Kendo equipment to Rajaram Shrestha, mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City at the Multipurpose Martial Arts Centre (MMAC) on the occasion of the golden jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Nepal. The equipment- swords with bamboo blades and wear protection over the face, chest, stomach and hands, were donated on behalf of All Japan Kendo Federation to MMAC. — HNS

Call to end strike

KATHMANDU: Human right activists on Saturday urged All Nepal Transport Trade Unions (ANTTU) to reconsider their decision to stop the service of Nepal Yatayat. Issuing a statement, Damannath Dhungana, Padma Ratna Tuladhar, Laxman Prasad Aryal, Charan Prasai, Krishna Prasad Bhandari, Sindhunath Pyakurel, Kapil Shrestha and Malla K Sundar on Saturday urged the ANTTU not to lay barrier in transport operation. — HNS

DDC budget passed

BHAKTAPUR: The 15th District Council Meet of Bhaktapur District Development Committee held on Friday passed a total budget of Rs 130.35 million for the fiscal year 2005/06. The council has emphasised the development of infrastructure, construction of a ring road, maintenance and construction of other roads, management of drinking water facilities and promotion of arts, languages and cultures. — RSS

SLC preparations

BHAKTAPUR: Preparations for the SLC examinations, which are slated to begin on March 27, have been made, said controller of the Examination Controller Office Gajendralal Pradhan. Altogether 332, 181 students are sitting for the exams, he said. There are 994 centres across the country and some 14, 910 security personnel will be deployed there, he said. — RSS