Date:27/01/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/01/27/stories/2007012703121400.htm

International

King loses currency

Kathmandu: The currency notes in Nepal would soon have images of Lord Buddha, replacing those of king Gyanendra, who was stripped of his powers following a pro-democracy movement last year. A Cabinet meeting had approved Nepal Rastra Bank's (Central Bank) proposal to use the Buddha's picture instead of the monarch's on NR. 500 and NR. 1,000 notes, a website "e-kantipur.com" has said. The report quoting a source said the Cabinet had picked up Buddha's picture from among various alternatives suggested by the Notes Design Committee of the bank. However, except for the picture there will be no other modifications in the design of the notes, which would come into circulation in the next six months, the report said. Among the alternatives were pictures of Mt. Everest and Bhrikuti. — PTI