PM BHATTARAI DEFENDS APPOINTMENT OF LILAMANI PAUDEL Kathmandu, 30 July: Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai defended appoint of LIlamani Paudel as acting chief secretary. Bhattarai told Radio Nepal listeners Monday Paudel was efficient with a clean image. He said 13 persons, including Paidel joined civil service the same day. nnnn KHUM BAHADUR KHADKA APPEARS BEFORE SUPREME COURT Kathmandu, 30 July: Supreme Court division bench Monday resumed hearing on corruption case against Khum Bahadur Khadka, top NC leader and former home minister. CIAA laid the charge against Khadka who has been charged for misappropriating Rs. 23.6 million. Nnnn HARI PRASAD SHRESTHA, COLLEAGUE OF TANKA PRASAD ACHARYA, DEAD Kathmandu, 30 July: Hari Prasad Shrestha died Monday. Shrestha, along with Tanka Prasad Acharya, led the anti-Rana movement toppling 104-year Rana rule. The member of Praja Parishad, in his 90s, was cremated Monday at Pashupatinath Aryaghat. nnnn