Indian aid for hospital

KATHMANDU: India has agreed to provide a grant of Rs 150 million for setting up a 100-bed Nepal Bharat Maitri Bakhtawari Hari Eye Hospital at Krishnanagar in Kapilvastu. A Memorandum of Understanding to this effect was signed by the India envoy and representatives from the Ministry of Finance and Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh on April 27. — HNS

Bill registered

KATHMANDU: A bill to amend the Royal Nepal Academy of Science and Technology Act, 1991 was registered on Monday at the parliament secretariat. The bill has sought amendment to several provisions of the Act to make them compatible with the declaration of the House. — HNS

Indians found dead

POKHARA: Two Indian tourists were found dead in a jungle area at Chame VDC in Manang district on Sunday, said the Western Regional Police Office in Pokhara. The locals found the bodies of Chandar Prakash, 24, and Minu Devi, 22, of Patela Byas in Punjab. The duo had gone to visit Manang, police said. — HNS

Ex-army chief grilled

KATHMANDU: The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority interrogated former Chief of Army Staff, Gen Pyar Jung Thapa, for the second time on Monday for his alleged involvement in the misuse of state coffers during the Jana

Andolan-II. — HNS

NC leader ‘beaten up’

KATHMANDU: Maoists beat up ex- president of the Nepali Congress Gulmi, Tom Bahadur GC, at his residence at Nayagaun Ward No. 2 on Sunday evening and left him in a critical condition, the Nepali Congress central office said. The Maoists also threatened to kill him, said the NC in a press communique. — RSS

FM for referendum

Biratnagar: Minister for Foreign Affairs Sahana Pradhan on Monday said a referendum would be an appropriate means to decide on the fate of monarchy. Pradhan was speaking after inaugurating the fifth Morang conference of the UML-affiliated All Nepal Women’s Association here. — HNS

Sitaula in New Delhi

NEW DELHI: Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula arrived here on Monday for medical treatment. He is accompanied by his wife and NC MP Amaresh Kumar Singh. After landing at the Delhi airport, he headed for the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. “The doctors have called him for further check up on Tuesday afternoon,” Singh said. Sitaula, who is a diabetic, has been complaining of ear ailment. — HNS