Chevy: With Chevrolet's new SRV and Tavera both hitting the Kathmandu streets, there's plenty to choose from. The stylishly sporty SRV is a sport-back vehicle boasting a 1.6 litre petrol engine, handy storage and passenger comfort features, wrap-around lights and an MP3 player. The multi-utility Tavera (pictured) offers a third row for several seating options, along with stylish interiors and the assurance of low maintenance and running costs.


Account scheme: Lumbini Bank has launched the 'US Dollar Premium Deposit Account', giving depositors 4 percent interest on a daily balance. The account holders will be allowed unlimited withdrawals, free SMS banking, a waiver on good for payment charges and a 50 percent waiver on traveller's cheques, amongst other services.

Calcium chow chow: Wai Wai noodles will now come packaged with extra calcium, with it's manufacturers claiming it will offer four times more calcium than other Nepali noodles. With the additional calcium, each 75gm of Wai Wai meets 20 percent of children's recommended dietary allowances.

LIQUID GOLD: Marico Industries has launched Saffola Gold oil, made of a mixture of ricebran and kardi oils. It's high in vitamin E, lowers cholesterol and doesn't saturate foods cooked in it.

CASH MACHINE: Nepal Investment Bank Limited (NIBL) has opened a new ATM at Mangal Bajar. The bank already has machines in Pulchowk, Darbarmarg, Thamel, Putalisadak and Bhatbhateni supermarket in Kathmandu and one in Pokhara. These 24 hours banking facility accepts all kinds of VISA cards.

FRIENDLY: World Bank brings out indicators every year in a report called Doing Business, which determines how business friendly a country is. In 2006, Singapore came first, followed by New Zealand and USA. Nepal ranks 100th out of 175, whereas India's position is 134 and China's 93. In South Asia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives rank at 88, 74, 138, 89 and 53 respectively. Last year, Nepal ranked 90th.

New Chocofun: Sujal Foods' flagship brand Chocofun, a chocolate covered wafer, priced at Rs 5, has been launched in a new pack through their 'New Pinch, New Pinch' campaign.

TIC TOC TIC: Peter England has introduced an exciting Dasain offer. A chic wristwatch is offered absolutely free, on purchase of Peter England garments. This offer is valid from 15 September and will continue till the stocks last.

Fucche for kids: Makers of 2PM Noodles, Asian Thai Foods, have launched their Fucche Instant Noodles, available at Rs 5 in a new pack designed to keep the noodles fresh while preserving their vitamin and mineral content.

Domestic DVD, TV: CG Impex, a sister concern of the Chaudhary Group, has launched CG DVD's, a series of branded DVD players. Available all over Nepal, the player comes in two different models with a 12-month warranty. The player is compatible with DVD, DVCD, VCD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, and Kodak photo discs. Another Chaudhary Group company, Goldstar Nepal, makers of LG television sets in Nepal, recently launched CG TV, a premium colour television, in three models with a 48-month warranty. The company has also started the 'CG Utsav Upahar' for the festival season.

Jolly Get Lucky: Jolly Shandy and Lemonade are now offering 'Jolly Get Lucky' festive scratch cards. Prizes include Philips 32" LCD TVs, ipods, mobile phones, gold coins, Jai Nepal movie tickets, key rings, Jolly Lemonade six-packs and thousands of Jolly Lemonade bottles. Five 'Happy Dasahin Tihar' coupons win a bottle of Jolly Lemonade. Jolly is a Carlsberg product manufactured and marketed by Gorkha Brewery.

Artist bio: RN Joshi, Widening the Horizon of Nepalese Art, by Professor Banshi Shrestha, is now available on the market. Published by Park Gallery, the book is written in English and includes 40 of the late Joshi's paintings. It is priced at Rs 950.

Fitness gear: Spectrum Merchandise, which began importing physical fitness machines from Korea and Taiwan ten years ago, has opened a new showroom in Tripureswor displaying the latest in fitness machines. The company has also launched its website, www.healthtracknepal.com, for health enthusiasts.