Nepal, China sign two agreements
Kathmandu, 20 Dec.: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal held discussions with his Chinese counterpart Wen Jibao in Beijing Tuesday.
Nepal and China signed an agreement for 150 million yuan grant and a youth exchange programme Wednesday.
China agreed to help Nepal in tourism and agriculture sectors besides developing sector, especially roads along Nepal-Tibet border.
Nepal will hold discussions Wednesday with President Hu Jintao before flying for Shanghai en route home.
Nepal returns home Thursday concluding a six-day official visit.
The prime minister invited Wen to visit Nepal at a convenient time.
China extended President Dr Ram Baran Yadav an invitation to China; he’s likely to visit the northern neighbour March.
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Shyam Sundar Raut shot and injured

Kathmandu, 30 Dec.: Trader Shyam Sundar Raut was shot and injured in Lahan Monday.
Nearby, a UML youth conference was being conducted.
Violence continues unabated where terai rebel groups are either demanding autonomy or independence.
Meanwhile, police Tuesday seized 13 bags of sockets for making bombs in Dhankuta.
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Gurungs celebrate Loshar

Kathmandu, 30 Dec.: Gurungs are celebrating Tamu Loshar Wednesday.
This is the year of the tiger.
Government announced a public holiday.
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Minister Minendra Rijal assaulted by Maoists

Kathmandu, 30 Dec.: Minister Minendra Rijal from Nepali Congress was assaulted by Maoists in Gaighat after addressing a public function Tuesday.
This is the first time Maoists have physically assault a minister.
Maoists, in their anti-government and anti-president protests, had been vandalizing their vehicles.
Nepali Congress district unit accused the district government for failure to provide security.
Maoists , in their fourth phase of month-long protest, are on a nation-wide exposure and national awareness drive against foreign interference charging India directly for meddling in Nepal’s internal affairs.
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