Feb 03, Kathmandu The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are engaged in high-level talks to allow the unrestricted, bulk transfer of Indian currency (INR) between the banking systems of India and Nepal.    When implemented, this initiative will modernize the transfer mechanism, moving beyond reliance on physical currency movement and allowing large-volume transfers via digital, interbank channels.    This could be a big breakthrough to allow transfer of Indian money between banks in the two countries in Large volume, easing trade and tourism.    Recently in Mumbai, there was a meeting between NRB governor  Vishwanath Paudel and RBI governor Sanjay Malhotra in RBI Headquarters. The two governors discussed monetary policy, foreign exchange management and liquidity management.    There was discussion on ease of payment through QR code by Nepali citizens when travelling to India. Presently, Indian tourists can pay for various services and goods through QR code through their banking system in Nepal.    As from December 15, 2025, Indian Rupee currency notes of 200 and 500 denominations can now be carried up to 25,000 INR inside Nepal.   The government has made arrangements to allow Nepali and Indian citizens to bring into the country and take to India a maximum of 25,000 INR of these denominations.   The currency notes to be allowed have to be those issued since November 9, 2016. With the notice to allow the circulation of higher denominations of Indian currency in the Nepali market, travel, trade, and remittances will become easier.    According to sources, the present  talks also touch upon the approximately INR 50 million in banned 500 and 1000 notes still held in the Nepali banking system since the 2016 demonetization. In Nepal, on December 13, 2018 Indian currency notes above INR 100 were banned. No nepali travellers, banks and financial institutions were allowed to hold or transact in indian currency from the notice issued by Nepal Rashtriya Bank.

SHABD,Srinagar, February 16,  Indian Army to Host Chinar Open Winter Games 2026 in Gulmarg on February 19–20 The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army will host the Chinar Open Winter Games in Gulmarg on February 19–20, 2026, promoting winter sports, encouraging youth participation and providing a competitive platform for emerging athletes in Kashmir. Srinagar, Feb 16: The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army is set to host the Chinar Open Winter Games-2026 on February 19–20, amid the snow-clad vistas of Gulmarg. The two-day sporting event aims to promote winter sports in Jammu and Kashmir while providing a competitive platform for emerging local talent. Set amid the majestic Himalayan landscape, the Games will bring together amateur athletes and winter sports enthusiasts in a celebration of endurance, adventure and sporting excellence. Designed to encourage grassroots participation, the Chinar Open Winter Games will offer participants an opportunity to test their skills in a challenging yet inspiring environment. The initiative reflects the Indian Army’s continued commitment to youth engagement and the promotion of sports culture in the region. By blending competitive spirit with the natural grandeur of Gulmarg, the event seeks to inspire young athletes to pursue excellence and contribute to the growing winter sports ecosystem in Kashmir.

 SHABD,Aizawl, February 19, Private hospitals in Mizoram have not been empanelled under MUHCS due to higher treatment rates, says Health Minister Pi Lalrinpuii  From : Isaac Zoramsanga Copy Editor (RNU), Akashvani News, Aizawl Date : 19.02.2026 Phone : 8131823773  Health Minister Pi Lalrinpuii said that the government is keen for private hospitals within the state to come under MUHCS framework. However, she noted that their service charges are significantly higher, making it difficult for the government to sign an agreement at present.  Addressing the Assembly during its ongoing session, Pi Lalrinpuii further pointed out that private hospitals empanelled under MUHCS outside Mizoram offer comparatively lower rates. She added that, in emergency cases, treatment in private hospitals within the state often results in larger claim amounts than when patients are referred to empanelled hospitals outside Mizoram.  The Minister informed the House that negotiations are continuing with private hospitals in the state that are yet to be empanelled under MUHCS, with the aim of reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.  At present, 16 hospitals and three day-care centres in Mizoram are empanelled under MUHCS, along with 33 private hospitals located outside the state, she added.

SHABD,Jammu, February 16,  DODA, February 15:  A one-day cricket exhibition match was organized at Government Degree College Bhaderwah under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan  to promote a drug-free society and encourage healthy activities among youth. The match was played between District Health Society Doda and Sub District Hospital Bhaderwah, organized in collaboration with the district administration. DDC Chairman Dhananter Singh Kotwal, Vice Chairperson Sangeeta Bhagat, and Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh attended the event and stressed the role of sports in preventing substance abuse. The programme saw enthusiastic participation from officials and local youth, reinforcing support for the anti-drug initiative.

SHABD,Jammu, February 16,  Kala Kendra Jammu, in collaboration with The Art Lab’s Canvas, successfully organised a two-day painting camp specially curated for children and youth, particularly teenagers. The camp was held at the Art Galleries on the first floor of Kala Kendra and witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 50 amateur artists, mainly young participants. The camp and subsequent exhibition were designed and curated by Mirnalnica Sharma and Ananya Baloria, showcasing the creative outcomes of the workshop. Dr. Javaid Rahi, Secretary, Kala Kendra Jammu, while addressing participants during the exhibition, described the initiative as “a youth initiative for youth.” He said the camp aimed to introduce art to beginners and encourage them to express themselves creatively. Ananya Baloria shared that the primary focus of the camp was creative expression through various mediums such as canvas painting, sketching and crafts. She emphasised that the workshop was designed to build skills and foster creativity in a fun and supportive environment, with all necessary materials provided to participants. Mirnalnica Sharma highlighted that the camp offered practical, hands-on art training on canvas and created a welcoming atmosphere to inspire beginners. The event provided a vibrant platform for budding artists to explore their potential. At the culmination of the workshop, each participant created and carried home their own painting as a cherished memory of the experience.