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The Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) has welcomed the decision of the Governments of Nepal and India to permit the use of Indian currency notes of Rs 200 and Rs 500 within Nepal, calling it a significant step toward easing cross-border transactions and strengthening bilateral economic ties.

NICCI said the decision reflects the strong spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding between the two neighboring countries and is expected to facilitate cross-border trade, tourism, and people-to-people movement, particularly in border regions and major commercial hubs.

Welcoming the move, NICCI President Sunil KC said the availability of commonly used Indian currency denominations would make travel more convenient for Indian tourists visiting Nepal and encourage greater tourism flows between the two countries. He added that the decision would also benefit businesses operating in the tourism, hospitality, and trade sectors.

Government Spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel said the decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting held on December 15. According to him, Nepali and Indian citizens will now be allowed to carry up to INR 25,000 in cash in denominations of Rs 200 and Rs 500 while crossing the border. However, only Indian currency notes issued after November 9, 2016, will be accepted.

NICCI noted that the policy would provide practical relief to Indian visitors and Nepali businesses alike by enhancing transparency and convenience in everyday transactions. The Chamber also acknowledged the proactive role of Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Bishwo Nath Poudel, noting that NICCI had raised the issue during a meeting with him on May 28 and received a positive response.

The Chamber further appreciated the coordinated efforts of authorities in both countries in addressing long-standing concerns of the business community. Reaffirming its commitment to strengthening Nepal–India economic relations, NICCI expressed confidence that continued collaboration would promote trade, investment, and sustainable economic growth.

Renish Phago, a veteran colourist with over two decades of experience in the Nepali film industry, has achieved a significant milestone with four films he colour-graded being listed on the official website of Assimilate Scratch, a globally recognized colour-grading software. The website, www.assimilateinc.com, now features four Nepali films: Pitambar, 12 Gaun, Outlaw and Mohar.

Phago said the recognition has motivated him to further raise his professional standards. “This marks a historic first for Nepal. It is the first time Nepali films have been included on the official platform of a globally recognized software through colour grading,” he said.

In addition to Nepali cinema, Phago is actively involved in colour grading for Bhojpuri films and music videos. Over the course of his career, Phago has colour graded more than 150 Nepali films. His recent releases include Maijaaro, Man Binako Dhan and Hari Bahadurko Jutta, with several other projects, such as Stree and Chhatishko Aagada.

Beyond his professional work, Phago is committed to developing skilled human resources in colour grading. “I have conducted many formal and informal training sessions. Nepal still lacks sufficient professional colourists, and building that workforce is essential. I want to share my knowledge and help train more people in the technical side of filmmaking,” he said.

Recently, Phago was honored with the Cultural Transformation Award 2025 by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology and the Nepal Film Development Board, recognising his contributions to colour grading.

The foundation stone for the construction of a new school building at Shree Ninyukharka Secondary School in Dhurkot Rural Municipality–3 of Gulmi district with the support of the Government of India was laid on Tuesday under a High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP). 

The foundation stone was jointly laid by Gitanjali Brandon, Counsellor at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, and Bhupal Pokharel, Chairman of Dhurkot Rural Municipality.

The project is being implemented with financial assistance of Rs 38 million from the Government of India. 

Under the initiative, a two-storeyed school building with classrooms and allied facilities, including furniture, will be constructed. The project is being executed through the Dhurkot Rural Municipality.

Local representatives, school management members, and other stakeholders welcomed the initiative and expressed appreciation for India’s continued developmental support in the education sector.

India and Nepal share close ties as neighbouring countries and development partners, cooperating across multiple sectors. The implementation of HICDPs reflects India’s ongoing support for Nepal’s development efforts, particularly at the grassroots level.

Temperature has started decreasing day by day across the country in recent days. 

Schools in some of the districts in Tarai have started closing their teaching learning activities due to fog and mist and the increasing cold. Snowfall is taking place in the mountainous region. There is fluctuation of temperature and weather in districts including in Kathmandu Valley. 

Kathmandu Valley recorded the coldest day today this year. 

According to the Meteorologist at the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Hari Prasad Dahal, the minimum temperature of Kathmandu Valley has dropped by around two degrees Celsius today as compared to Monday. 

Today's minimum temperature of Kathmandu Valley has been recorded at 4.9 degrees Celsius which was 6.8 degrees Celsius on Monday.

Most of the areas in Tarai of the country have been witnessing thick fog today. However, the weather in the mountain region is fair. 

Dahal added, "No weather system causing rain has developed. The Westerly wind has not been active. Areas of Tarai have been witnessing thick fog in lack of rainfall."

Jumla has recorded the lowest temperature today, which is minus 3 degrees Celsius.