Customs and police officials from India and Nepal met this week in Sravasti of India near the Nepal border in the first dialogue of its kind to address the challenges of illegal trade in environmentally sensitive commodities across the open border. The illegal international trade in wildlife contraband and ozone depleting substances, harmful chemicals and hazardous wastes is a substantial and increasingly lucrative business across the India-Nepal border. India and Nepal will now cooperate in a Green Customs Initiative facilitated by UNEP, a new partnership of international organisations and governments. UNEP says that based on the history of ozone-depleting chemicals in South Asia, there is an urgent need to strengthen collaboration to monitor the trade and curb illegal movement of such commodities.

Dabur day
Dabur Nepal is organising one-day events such as the 'Dabur Fun Day Out' at various housing complexes within the Valley. The event aims to entertain, promote healthy living and introduce the public to Dabur products. Aptitude, the official agency of Dabur, is also coordinating the event.

Moneymaker
Himalayan Bank announced its achievements in the last fiscal year: total deposits of Rs 34.681 billion, total loans and advances of Rs 25.519 billion, operating profits of Rs 1.159 billion and reduction of NPA to 2.16 per cent.

Concrete plans
British Council Climate Champions, Kanchan Shrestha and Amita Thapa Magar from Kathmandu, reached Copenhagen to make their voice heard as world leaders gathered for the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Two hundred Climate Champions from more than forty countries attended the COP15 in Denmark from 7-18 December.

Fly high
Flydubai, whose local promotion partner is Universal Tours & Travels, inaugurated its flights from TIA on 15 December. The airline is operating four days a week.

Hurry up!
Morang Auto Works, the sole distributor of Yamaha motorcycles in Nepal, has launched a scheme for Gladiator SS motorcycle customers, offering a 0% finance scheme on purchases and a Rs 10,000 discount for customers making cash purchases. Offer valid till 15 January only.

The new Activa
Syakar Company has released a modified version of Honda Activa. It now comes with CBS (Combined Braking System), a system that automatically applies front braking force when the rear brake is applied. This prevents slipping and skidding. The new Activa also gives 15 per cent more mileage.

Perfect six
The Cricket Association of Nepal proudly announced Pepsi (Varun Beverages) as its sponsor and Standard Chartered Bank as the co-sponsor of the senior national cricket team for one day and 20/20 national tournaments. The Nepali cricket team is expected to benefit greatly from this association.