All 29 branches of Everest Bank now operate as a single bank with online communication and transfer of data as the company has upgraded its computer system to Infosys Nepal-developed Finacle. The bank is also using a disaster recovery site that duplicates data if damages occur in the original.

Home from home
A contemporary home furnishing store from Thailand has opened a showroom in Lagankhel, Lalitpur teaming up with SN Joshi and Sons. It is selling 80 furniture collections under the brand names Koncept and S.B. Furniture. Products use low formaldehyde wood conforming to European standard Class 1 furniture.

Cash clinic
Laxmi Bank has launched a branch in Patan Hospital, Lagankhel and handed over Rs 100,000 for renovation of the hospital's paediatric ward. All banking facilities are available at the branch including savings accounts with interest of up to 7 per cent per annum.

Banking up
KIST Merchant Banking and Finance has converted into an authorised commercial bank. With 24 branches across the country and its head office at Anamnagar, the bank offers a 10.25 per cent savings scheme for women and a 9-12 per cent interest loan scheme for small entrepreneurs.

High flyer
Qatar Airways has been named best economy class airline in the Middle East in a survey by Business Traveler magazine and best economy class carrier at the annual Skytrax passenger survey awards in Germany. Respondents rated it highly for cabin comfort and quality inflight service.

New Products
NOODLES: Pokhara Noodles has launched Chilli Flavoured Hot Pot Noodles priced at Rs 12 for 75g. The company's other noodles include Jojo and