Taxi burnt, driver hurt

POKHARA: A taxi was destroyed and the driver, Rudra Thapa, was injured in a fire in Dihi’s Patan in Pokhara submetropolitan city on Monday night. The fire broke when Thapa lit a match stick to repair the taxi. The fire broke out because petrol was leaking from the taxi, said the Baidam Ward Police Office. Thapa of Pokhara sub-metropolitan city ward number 8 sustained burn injuries in his right hand, the Ward Police Office said. He has been admitted to the Fewa City Hospital. — HNS

Inmates observe fest

DAMAULI: Unlike previous Dashain, inmates of the Damauli prison managed to celebrate the festival in the prison, thanks to arrangements made by the prison authorities. Relatives put on tika on the foreheads of the inmates inside the prison. The inmates got the opportunity to celebrate the festival following an improvement in the law and order situation. Though the prison can accommodate 25 persons, it has 32 inmates. — RSS

Health camp held

KASKI: Over 85 senior citizens underwent medical check-ups and were given medicines at a camp jointly organised by the Lions Club of Pokhara Sangam and Brida Lai Sewa (Services to the Senior Citizens) Pokhara to mark the International Day of the Older Persons-2006. The president of the Lion’s Club Pokhara Samgam, Bijaya Laxmi Koirala, secretary Tika Ram Sapkota and convenor of Sewa Geeta Pradhan shed light on the importance of such programmes. The programme was chaired by joint treasurer of the club, Mana Kumari Gurung. — RSS

Reception organised

Kathmandu: On the occasion of the 57th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Chinese ambassador to Nepal Sun Heping hosted a reception here on Tuesday. The Speaker, former Prime Ministers, Heads of Constitutional Bodies, leaders of various political parties, intellectuals, journalists, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions, businessmen, traders and journalists were present on the occasion. — RSS

Saving scheme

Bhaktapur: The Chitpol Community Study Centre, Bhaktapur, has launched a Children’s Saving Programme. The saving programme is being initiated to collect financial resource for students who want to pursue higher studies. Children under 15 years of age can participate in the saving programme. They can get a lump-sum payment once they become 16 years old or make it through the School Leaving Certificate Examinations to pursue higher education, chairman of the centre, Pandav Suwal said. — RSS

US forensic experts

KATHMANDU: The two-man forensics team from the United States that arrived here on Sunday is expected to remain in Nepal for up to two weeks. According to the American Centre, the team from the US Pacific Command in Honolulu, Hawaii, is here to assist the the government of Nepal in identifying victims who perished in the September 23 helicopter crash near Ghunsa of Taplejung district. It may be noted that the US government had offered JPAC’s assistance in identifying victims of the helicopter crash that claimed 24 lives, including two USAID/Nepal officials. — RSS

Cop kills self

SANKHUWASAVA: A head constable of the Nepal Police posted as a security guard at the residence of the Chief District Officer in Khandbari killed himself by shooting on his head on Saturday. The head constable has been identified as 30-year-old Dileep Chaudhari, who committed suicide at his own residence in the evening. According to the District Health Office, post-mortem of the deceased policeman was carried out. — RSS

Dashain function

Kathmandu: Charge d’ Affaires of Nepal to Japan Paras Ghimire organised a reception on the occasion of the Vijaya Dashami at the Embassy premises in Tokyo on Tuesday. Addressing the reception, Ghimire extended good health, long life, peace and prosperity to all the Nepalese nationals residing in Japan. He said Dashain holds a cultural significance that binds entire Nepali society in one string. He noted that this festival incites a feeling of unity among all Nepali people living in the hills and terai from Mechi in the East to Mahakali in the West. — RSS