The publishers of two new newspaper groups decided on Wednesday to merge even before they were to begin publication next month. Binod Gyawali, the publisher of Nagarik and Hari Shrestha, the publisher of Dainikee decided to pool their resources and bring out only Nagarik, the Nepali daily. Gyawali had earlier split off from Kantipur, taking away many of its top journalists. But he split again and had decided to go it alone. Insiders said the reason was a contracting media market and the need to challenge the combined circulation lead of Kantipur and Annapurna Post. Nagarik's English sister paper is Republica and Nagarik's sister paper is Newsfront. It is not yet clear what will happen to the English publications

Yubaraj Ghimire, has been designated 'Group Editor' while Narayan Wagle will be editor of Nagarik. Republica's editor Prateek Pradhan says, "With a vision for long-term sustainence and development of journalism, we have taken this step."

Hassle-free
Travellers taking international flights no longer have to queue at Tribhuban International Airport to pay airport taxes before boarding. The Civil Aviation Authority has incorporated the tax in the ticket itself. Before the service was introduced on 1 March, travellers had to pay taxes at the airport through a coupon from Nabil Bank.

Health show
HIV/AIDS prevention and safe motherhood organisation Nepal Contraceptive Retail Sales has partnered with AV News Channel, which is launching a daily programme that aims to raise awareness about health, particularly highlighting problems in remote areas.

Race in India
Morang Auto Works, the sole authorized dealer of Yamaha motorcycles in Nepal is giving YZF R15 owners the chance to take part in R15 Championship in Chennai, India on 8 March. Customers may apply through local dealers or contact Yamaha Club, Kathmandu. Participants will be selected through a draw and all expenses will be paid for by MAW.

Top of the game
Deepak Thapa Magar won the Surya Nepal Eastern Open Golf championship at the Nirvana Country Club in Dharan on Friday, 29 February. Thapa Magar also won the tournament in 2000.

Bike hike
Syakar Company and Everest Bank have launched a joint finance scheme for Honda Motorcycles customers outside the Valley. Borrowers can get a 10 per cent interest loan and a one per cent rebate if they abide by the company's repayment conditions. In order to qualify for the scheme, buyers need to have a monthly income that's at least double the monthly instalment sum.

Employing skill
The British Council is to work with the Council for Technical Education and Vocational
Training on a project that aims to encourage skill development in Nepal. The Skills for Employability project seeks to link education with industry.