AUSSIE ASSISTANCE INCREASED Kathmandu, 7 Aug.: Australia’s Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Secretary Richard Maries Monday announced increased annual assistance of 5 million Australian dollars raising annual aid level to 35 million Australian dollars equivalent to Rs. 3.29 billion. Maries held discussions with Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun Monday soon after arriving for a two-day visit. Nnnn SWARUP GURUNG KONE TAKES CHARGE OF GRAND BANK NEPAL AS CHAIRMAN Kathmandu, 7 Aug.: Swarup Gurung Kone has been elected chairman of Grand Bank Nepal. He was elected by the bank’s board to succeed Krishna Lal Maharjan who completed his tenure. nnnn