Nepal Mobile Traders Association is organising 'Newroad Mobile Expo 2073' in Newroad, also known as 'Mobile Hub', from December 28 to January 3 where sellers in Kathmandu’s most well-known shopping district will offer their products at reasonable prices. The main sponsor of the mobile expo is Ncell. According to the organiser, the expo that is being organised with a slogan 'Jahaan Mobile Bazaar Tyahaan Mobile Mahotsav' is aimed at selling superior mobile phones and save customers from frauds. Moreover, the expo also aims on disseminating information on new technology that is available in the market. As per the organiser, the expo will start from Newroad Gate. Newroad will be decorated by various tools, banners and LCD screen. Big LCD screens installed at Pipalbot will be providing latest technological and brand information to the customers. For the convenience of customers in getting food and coffee, mobile food-court will be mobilised in various places. The mobile phone expo could be one of the big fairs of this type in the Newroad area that hosts more than 500 outlets, the organiser said. “The fair will provide an opportunity to consumers to buy genuine mobile phones and accessories at reasonable prices,” said Purushottam Basnet, coordinator of the exhibition. Lava, Oppo, Obi, Nokia, Samsung, MI, ZTE, Huawei, Apple and Gionee, among others, are the major brands that will be displayed at the weeklong expo. “We will also be launching new mobile phones such as Zopo and Leagoo at the event,” Basnet said. According to him, Tamrakar House and People’s Plaza, one of the major shopping destinations for mobile phones, will also be participating in the event. He added that buyers would be offered sure shot prizes along with cash discounts of 5-70%. “Likewise, customers can also win a mobile phone set in a lucky draw that will be conducted daily.” A gaming zone, kids’ zone and food stalls will be added features of the mobile expo. Sandeep Man Shrestha, spokesperson for the exhibition, said they would be conducting a mobile game competition. “Authorised distributors of the concerned brands will be providing ‘touch and feel’ offers which will help convey information about mobile phones to potential buyers,” Shrestha said. The organiser said they would also be offering 100 megabyte data cards free to customers during the expo. Likewise, buyers will receive free sim cards from Ncell. Agreement between US Embassy and ADB to rebuild 15 quake-damaged schools The US Embassy in Nepal and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed an agreement on to rebuild 15 earthquake-damaged schools in 11 most affected districts, benefiting 4,500 students. The Asian Development Bank will use the US$ 10 million US contribution to rebuild the schools through its Earthquake Emergency Assistance Project, according to a press release issued by the US Embassy in Kathmandu. The project uses approved architectural and engineering designs for permanent, earthquake-resilient buildings, it adds. "The schools will also be equipped with classroom furniture, separate girls' and boys' water and sanitation facilities, access accommodation for children with disabilities, and recreational facilities." "This contribution reaffirms the US government's commitment to stand with the people of Nepal to rebuild a safer, more prosperous country for the next generation,” USAID Nepal's Acting Mission Director Amy Tohill-Stull is quoted in the release.