OLD LEADERSHIP APPOINTED IN CPN MAOIST Kathmandu, 15 Jan. A general convention of the CPN Maoist Sunday confirmed the appointed leadership in the party formed seven months ago. A 51-member of central committee has been formed , 5-member standing committee and 13-member Politbureau committee. Mohan Baidhaya is chairman. Ram Bahadur Thapa is general secretary, CP Gajurel Vice-chairman, Dev Gurung and Netra Bikram Chand are secretaries. Indra Iwangdange and Laxman Panta have been nominated as CC Members; Rekha Sharma, Kumar Dahal and Krishna Dhoj Khadka have voluntarily resigned. nnnn. RAINFALL PREDICTED FRIDAY Kathmandu, 15 Jan.: The Weather Forecasting Division of the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (Met Dept) has said that there are signs of a likelihood of rainfall in various parts of the country including in Kathmandu valley this Friday, RSS reports, . The change in the speed of wind in the atmosphere shows that there could be chances of rain in the next two to three days. Likewise, the weather in the country would now gradually improve with the haze slowly disappearing from the tarai region, adds the Division. There are signs of rainfall beginning from the far west which would ultimately bring rain to Kathmandu valley by Friday, said senior meteorologist Rajendra Shrestha. "That would in turn lead to a dip in the mercury for few days and gradually improvement in the weather conditions". The absence of timely rainfall is said to have increased cold in Kathmandu valley with a record temperature of minus two degree celsius. It was after five years that Kathmandu valley had experienced a temperature below zero degree, according to the Division. nnnn