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Media rights body have condemned the attacks upon Annapurna Media Network, other media outlets and journalists in Nepal. 

Issuing a press statement, Freedom Forum said it has been saddened over several brutal incidents of press freedom violations including the death of a journalist and attack on another in the protest organized by pro-monarchy demonstrators in the federal capital, Kathmandu on March 28.

The protestors vandalized media houses, attacked media persons and killed a media person during the protest organized at Tinkune, Kathmandu. The pro-monarchist groups organized the demonstration, demanding restoration of monarchy and Hindu Kingdom. As the protestors breached the prohibited area, police clashed with them. Police used tear gas shells and water cannons to scatter the mob, but the situation took an ugly turn, Freedom Forum said.  

They hurled stones at media houses- the Annapurna Media Network and Kantipur Television at Tinkune area. They also set on fire the office of Annapurna Post. Glasses of windows in the buildings were broken in the incident, Freedom Forum said.  A photojournalist at Avenues Television, Suresh Rajak, died in a fire set on a building at Tinkune by the protestors.

 According to the fellow reporters on site, reporter Rajak was covering the protest from rooftop of the building which was set on fire by the protestors. Official confirmation is however, awaited. Similarly, reporter with the Onlinekhabar.com Dinesh Gautam was attacked by the protestors, breaking his leg, while he was taking pictures of the protestors. They also threw stones on the vehicle of Himalaya Television.

Freedom Forum vehemently condemns the attack upon media and journalists. Although everyone has the right to have peaceful protest guaranteed by constitution, such violent activities are deplorable. Despite being frontline rights defenders, journalists are facing such risk of attacks during protests from both sides- protestors and security persons. FF repeatedly urges all concerned including the administration and protestors to respect journalists’ right to free reporting and ensure adequate safety of the media persons in such situations. The media houses and journalists are also equally urged to use safety gears and report from safe space during violent protests, the statement says. 

Similarly, Media Action Nepal has also condemned the attack upon journalist and media houses.  In another incident, Rajesh Gurung, a photojournalist with The Himalayan Times, was injured by rubber bullets during the protest. He sustained injuries to his thigh and foot while covering the demonstrations in the Tinkune area of Kathmandu. Gurung was admitted to Kantipur Hospital, where he was prescribed six types of antibiotics for his treatment.

Another journalist of Onlinekhabar, Dinesh Gautam, was injured during a pro-monarchy protest in Tinkune today. He was taking photos of protesters snatching a gun used by security forces to fire tear gas when he was mobbed by them. According to Gautam, he was pushed and attempted to steal his mobile.

Following that, they pushed Gautam down. A team of security personnel arrived shortly after that and fired tear gas. Gautam escaped. While fleeing to Koteshwor, he was pursued by rioters. At the time, the protesters dubbed him a police CID. “I clicked the picture of rioters snatching a police gun. However, they attacked and pursued me, mistaking me for a security CID officer. They broke my leg. 

 “It is plastered, and I have to walk with crutches,” he told Media Action Nepal. Gautam, who was injured during the incident, was taken to Everest Hospital. Doctors stated that his leg was broken during the incident. Moreover, they also attacked media organizations, setting fire to the Annapurna Post office and pelting stones at the Kantipur Television building. Initially, demonstrators hurled stones at media offices before escalating to arson. It has been reported that the fire at Annapurna Post was later extinguished by office staff. The Annapurna Post posted a video on Facebook showing them setting fire after pelting stones. 

Protesters also vandalized Kantipur Television and several nearby buildings. Stones were thrown at the office building and other nearby structures. Media Action Nepal has been closely monitoring the recent incidents of violations against journalists and independent media, and we are deeply concerned about the tragic death of a journalist, as well as the injuries and attacks on journalists and media houses. Laxman Datt Pant, Founder and Executive Director of Media Action Nepal, stated, “We call on the government, protesters, and media houses to take a firm stand for the safety of journalists.” Media Action Nepal strongly urges the government, protestors, and media outlets to take immediate and responsible actions:

•              The government must ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts face swift and severe consequences.

•              Protestors must understand that violence against journalists is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

•              Media houses must take every necessary measure to protect their reporters and ensure their safety during such events.

“The tragic loss of Suresh Rajak’s life is a stark reminder of the risks journalists face in their line of work,” Pant added.

Annapurna Media Network Chairman Rameshwar Thapa condemned the attack on the headquarters of Annapurna Media Network with an intention to kill the journalists. This is an act of terrorism, he added.

“We will honor any kind of peaceful protest staged by abiding by the Constitution. But today’s attack on Annapurna Media Network and other media houses and commercial buildings is itself a condemnable act. We can clearly see that is an act of terrorism,” he said during a press conference organized after the pro-monarchy protesters attacked the office of Annapurna Media Network.

“The pro-monarchy protesters attacked the office of Annapurna Media Network while the journalists and employees were working inside. They even tried to enter the office by smashing the windows and attempting to set fire to the office. This is a heinous crime,” Chairman Thapa said. “The attack was aimed at killing the journalists and employees working inside the office which is condemnable and This is an act of terrorism.”

Issuing a press statement AMN Chairman and editors of Annapurna Media Network’s various outlets have condemned the attack.  A statement jointly  issued by AMN Chairman Rameshwar Thapa, Annapurna Post Editor-in-Chief Akhanda Bhandari, The Annapurna Express Editor Kamal Dev Bhattarai, Shambhu Kattel, Editor of Annapurnapost.com, Bhupal Luitel, Editor Radio Annapurna and Dipendra Bantawa, News Chief, AP1 TV says:  “We strongly condemn the violent arson attack on the headquarters of Annapurna Media Network (AMN) and Kantipur Television, carried out by an unruly group under the pretext of advocating for the reinstatement of the monarchy. We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Avenues TV camera person Suresh Rajak, who lost his life in a fire set in a private building.” 

This attack is a direct assault on press freedom and democracy, the statement reads,  the deliberate targeting of media institutions exposes the true nature of this so-called movement—one that seeks to silence independent journalism and erode democratic values. History has shown that the press is always the first target of autocracy, and we remain resolute in our opposition to any form of authoritarianism.

The media played a pivotal role in Nepal’s People’s Movement of 2062/63 (2006), helping shape the path toward a republic. It is clear that Annapurna Media Network was attacked precisely because of our unwavering commitment to democracy. We will not stand idly by as any force attempts to undermine the values we uphold, the statement says. 

The statement further says: “In a democracy, every citizen has the right to engage in politics, seek governance, and shape public opinion. However, these rights must be exercised peacefully and within the bounds of the law. No one is above the democratic system, and violence has no place in political discourse.” 

Annapurna Media Network has always been at the forefront of safeguarding democracy and ensuring political accountability. No amount of intimidation will deter us from our mission. We firmly believe that democracy and republicanism are the ultimate guarantors of press freedom, human rights, and civil liberties, the statement reads.   We urge the government to conduct a swift and thorough investigation into this attack and the tragic death of Suresh Rajak. Those responsible must be held accountable to ensure justice, protect press freedom, and uphold the rule of law, the statement says.

The Annapurna Media Network has condemned the vandalism and arson of media outlets, including Annapurna, by chaotic, unruly and uncontrollable groups that emerged in the name of the 'royalist movement'.

The Annapurna Media Network strongly condemned the death of Suresh Rajak, camera person of Kantipur TV, Avenues TV along with Annapurna.

Issuing a statement, Annapurna Media Network Chairman Rameshwar Thapa, Editor-in-Chief of Annapurna Post, Editor of Annapurna Express Kamal Dev Bhattarai, Editor of Annapurna Post. Com Sambhu Kattel, Editor of Radio Annapurna 94. 0 Megahertz and News Chief of AP1 TV Dipendra Bantawa demanded that those involved in vandalism and arson be brought to book.  

“This protest has shown that the media is the first target of absolutism. Protesting every kind of absolutism, we will stand firm in support of democracy,” they said in the statement.

“Media has played an active, vital and powerful role in the 2005/ 2006 movement to draw the line of republic. Annapurna Media Network cannot remain a mute spectator to any kind of activities that undermines democracy. We believe that the protesters targeted Annapurna Media for the same reason,” they further said.

They said that democracy and the Constitution do not prevent Nepali citizens from practicing politics and gaining public support. In addition to that, they said that no one is allowed to go beyond the democratic system.

“Annapurna Media Network has always been at the forefront of protecting and promoting democracy. We will not be distracted by obstacles,” the statement reads. “The only alternative to democracy is advanced democracy. The only alternative to a republic is a prosperous republic. Freedom of the press and expression, human rights, and people’s sovereignty are possible only in democracy. The disruption to that is condemnable.”

“Lastly, we urge the government to carry out an investigation into the death of camera person Suresh Rajak and an attack on Annapurna Media Network with a malicious intent to take the lives of journalists.”

Surendra Tuladhar of Panipokhari, Kathmandu has become the first fortnight winner of the annual subscription campaign, “Jasle Padchha, Awasya Parchha” launched by Annapurna Media Network across the country.

In the weekly lucky draw held at the Tinkune-based headquarters of Annapurna Media Network on Friday, Surendra Tuladhar of Panipokhari with receipt number 1319-81 became the winner.

Samita Budhathoki, International Business Manager of Annapurna Media Network America, had picked Tuladhar’s name from the lucky draw.

After being the winner, he will get a one year full 100 Mbps internet package from Dishhome Internet as a gift.

Readers renewing their subscription or becoming new annual subscribers to Annapurna Post and The Annapurna Express will receive guaranteed gifts upon subscribing.

The annual subscription fee for both newspapers is set at Rs 3,400 each.

Annual subscribers will receive a voucher worth Rs 1,500 for Wonderland, where they can enjoy thrilling games, as well as a movie voucher from INI Cinemas.

Alternatively, subscribers can opt for scratch cards offering cash discounts ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 3,400, along with INI Cinemas movie vouchers and tickets for Annapurna Cable Car.

 The campaign also offers exciting weekly and monthly prizes. Weekly lucky draw winners will receive OPPO mobile phones and Rs 5,000 vouchers for Tranquility Spa.

 Monthly winners will be rewarded with washing machines and Rs 5,000 Tranquility Spa vouchers. The campaign, which is valid nationwide, will run for four months.

"First International Saga Dawa Running Festival and Himalayan Art Conference 2025" will be held in Solukhumbu on May 10-18 to promote cultural heritage including Himalayan art.

Thekchen Pema Choling Gonpa of Solkhumbu is organizing the program.

Annapurna Media Network will be the media partner of the International Saga Dawa Running Festival and the Himalayan Art Conference.

An agreement was signed amidst a function organized at the Tinkune-based headquarters of Annapurna Media Network on Monday.

Annapurna Media Network General Manager Manoj Basnet, Senior Marketing Manager Pramila Rajak and Tenzing Sherpa, Chairman of Thekchen Pema Choling Gonpa, Secretary Nigma Tendup Sherpa signed the agreement.

According to Tenzing Sherpa, there will be the running competition of 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, 7.5 km and 3 km on the lap of Mt Everest.

The event to be held on Buddha Jayanti will include an exhibition of Himalayan art, an exhibition of art and cultural costumes, a fair with local food dishes and an art competition along with cultural programs.

Kamal Magar of Narayanatar, Kathmandu has become the third weekly winner of  the annual subscription campaign, “Jasle Padchha, Awasya Parchha” launched by Annapurna Media Network across the country.

In the weekly lucky draw held at the Tinkune-based headquarters of Annapurna Media Network on Thursday, Kamal Magar of Narayantar with receipt number 1468-81 became the winner.

Dr Manisha Ghimire, who is working at the OakMed Hospital in America, had picked Magar’s name from the lucky draw.

After being the winner, he won a Oppo mobile phone along with a voucher worth Rs 5, 000 for Tranquility Spa.

Readers renewing their subscription or becoming new annual subscribers to Annapurna Post and The Annapurna Express will receive guaranteed gifts upon subscribing.

The annual subscription fee for both newspapers is set at Rs 3,400 each.

Annual subscribers will receive a voucher worth Rs 1,500 for Wonderland, where they can enjoy thrilling games, as well as a movie voucher from INI Cinemas.

Alternatively, subscribers can opt for scratch cards offering cash discounts ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 3,400, along with INI Cinemas movie vouchers and tickets for Annapurna Cable Car.

The campaign also offers exciting weekly and monthly prizes. Weekly lucky draw winners will receive OPPO mobile phones and Rs 5,000 vouchers for Tranquility Spa.

Monthly winners will be rewarded with washing machines and Rs 5,000 Tranquility Spa vouchers. The campaign, which is valid nationwide, will run for four months.

US Congressman Suhas Subramaniam has officially recognized Annapurna Media Network-USA (AMN-USA) with a formal acknowledgment letter.   The letter highlights Annapurna Media Network’s significant impact, stating: “Annapurna Media Network is a prominent and influential media organization in Nepal. The network has not only become renowned and respected within Nepal but also globally recognized for its commitment to delivering authentic news, cultural representation, and entertainment.”

Calling it a great honor, the recognition further praises the network’s contributions: “I commend Annapurna Media Network and AMN-USA for their efforts and dedication to excellence in media. Their work uplifts the Nepali diaspora and enriches the cultural fabric of our global community. Thank you for joining me in recognizing this extraordinary achievement and supporting the ongoing mission of AMN-USA.”

Issuing the statement, Subramaniam added that the network has not only become renowned and respected within Nepal but also globally recognized to a broader audience with its demonstration of commitment which also reflects the deep cultural relationship between Nepal and the US.

EV Nepal Motors Pvt Ltd has collaborated with Annapurna Media Network for the cycle rally to raise awareness against cancer.

A collaboration agreement was signed amidst a ceremony organized at the AMN’s headquarters in Tinkune on Monday.

AMN General Manager Manoj Basnet, Marketing Assistant Manager Madhuri Sapkota and EV Nepal Motors PVT Ltd General Manager Nawaraj Koirala (NK Sharad) signed the agreement.

“This program to raise awareness against cancer is a very commendable work,” EV Nepal Motors PVT Ltd General Manager Koirala said, adding, “This kind of rally is very important to raise public awareness about cancer and to make Nepal cancer free.”

He said that this cycle rally is not only important to raise awareness against cancer, but also helps in the campaign of green city and clean city.

The bicycle rally will be held at 6:30 am on Saturday.

Annapurna Media Network is to organize a bicycle rally on February 8 on the occasion of the World Cancer Day with an aim to raise awareness against this chronic disease.

World Cancer Day is celebrated every year on February 8 to raise awareness about cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.

Annapurna Media Network has been organizing a bicycle rally every year since 2015 to raise public awareness against cancer.

So far, 20,000 people have participated in the bicycle rally. The slogan for this year’s rally is “Ride for Life”.

“Scientists around the world have been conducting intensive research for the drugs to treat cancer patients. But no medicines have been developed to completely cure cancer till now. Hence, in this situation it is important to raise awareness for the control of this disease,” Annapurna Media Network General Manager Manoj Basnet said. “That is why we have been organizing a bicycle every year to raise awareness against cancer as part of our social responsibility.”

The Network said that it has been organizing this program every year to raise awareness against Cancer, which has been spreading as a terrible disease in recent times, as it can be completely cured if detected and treated on time.

The Network has also started a free cervical cancer screening campaign from this year.

It has also called upon all to participate in the campaign to raise awareness against cancer.

Those who are interested in participating in the rally can fill up the form by clicking on this link. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkdUm_BHo3FOVX5AREn0RN3-KzBgrG1MLxBS4jvCaAhMj4Gg/viewform

Likewise, you can call on Network’s phone number: 014112031 (3728) to register the name for the cycle rally.  

In a significant move to strengthen international media collaboration, Annapurna Media Network (AMN), a leading media organization in Nepal, and Forsythe Multimedia Group, LLC, the publisher of The South Asian Times based in Hicksville, New York, USA, are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This partnership will formalize the exchange and distribution of news content between the two organizations across various media platforms, focusing on positive, motivational, and success-oriented stories that resonate with their audiences. The MOU is signed by Mr. Manoj Basnet, General Manager of Annapurna Media Network, and Mr. Kamlesh C. Mehta, Chairman and Publisher of Forsythe Multimedia Group, LLC. This collaboration represents a strategic milestone in the relationship between the two organizations, aimed at fostering stronger media connections and enhancing their respective global media presence.

Under the terms of the MOU, The South Asian Timeswill publish news content provided by Annapurna Media Network across its print and digital platforms, with appropriate attribution given to AMN as the source. In return, Annapurna Media Network will also publish or reproduce content from The South Asian Times across its diverse media outlets, including Annapurna Post (Nepali daily), The Annapurna Express (English daily), Ap1 Television, Radio Annapurna, and its digital platforms. The content shared between the two organizations will center around positive stories that inspire and inform audiences, covering topics such as business achievements, social welfare, technological progress, cultural highlights, and human-interest stories. 

The primary objective of this partnership is to enhance the reach and visibility of both Annapurna Media Network and Forsythe Multimedia Group, LLC. By sharing content and leveraging their respective platforms, the two organizations aim to connect with broader audiences across South Asia, the United States, and other international markets. The collaboration is designed to enrich the media landscape by providing readers with diverse and engaging content that not only reflects the interests of the two organizations' audiences but also promotes positive societal change, cultural understanding, and global community building. This partnership is not just about content sharing but also about fostering a constructive relationship within the global media industry.

This Memorandum of Understanding represents the beginning of a promising new chapter for both Annapurna Media Network and Forsythe Multimedia Group, LLC. As the partnership progresses, both organizations are confident that their shared commitment to high-quality journalism, positive content, and global connectivity will result in a mutually beneficial relationship that will continue to grow and expand across borders. 

By leveraging their collective strengths, Annapurna Media Network and Forsythe Multimedia Group, LLC aim to become leading voices in their respective markets, driving forward the global media conversation with content that is both impactful and inspiring. This MOU marks the first step in a long-term collaboration that will provide readers with an enriching news experience while fostering stronger ties between Nepal, the United States, and other international communities. As both organizations look to expand their influence and connect with audiences in new and innovative ways, they are excited about the future of their partnership and the new opportunities it will bring.

Manoj Basnet, the General Manager of Annapurna Media Network, expressed excitement about the new partnership with Forsythe Multimedia Group, LLC and The South Asian Times. He highlighted that the collaboration would significantly expand their global reach, enabling them to deliver valuable news content to readers both in Nepal and worldwide. Similarly, Kamlesh C. Mehta, the Chairman & Publisher of Forsythe Multimedia Group, LLC, shared his enthusiasm about working with Annapurna Media Network, a highly respected media organization in Nepal. He emphasized that the partnership would offer readers a unique perspective and diversify the content available on The South Asian Times, aiming to provide high-quality news to their audiences.

Shilshila Acharya, who has been recognized as one of the BBC’s 100 influential women for 2024, has joined the 'Unity for Sustainability' campaign conducted by Annapurna Media Network to raise awareness about climate change.

A cooperation agreement was signed amidst a function held at the AMN’s headquarters in Tinkune on Monday.

General Manager of Annapurna Media Network Manoj Basnet and Shilshila Acharya, founder of Avni Ventures signed the agreement.

Avni Ventures is a non-profit organization.  The organization has been conducting a campaign to prepare 100, 000 climate leaders from every region of Nepal within five years.

“It is really a moment of happiness to got an opportunity to collaborate with Nepal’s leading media house to raise the issue of climate change, which has been raising by our generation for a long time,” Acharya said, adding, “Now, this cooperation will play an important role in establishing the issue of climate at the national and international level.”

“It is also an opportunity for us that Shilshila Acharya who has been named among BBC’s 100 influential women from around the globe for 2024 has joined the Unity for Sustainability campaign,” AMN General Manager Basnet said.

Annapurna Media Network (AMN) has taken a groundbreaking step toward digital transformation by implementing Proma AI across all its departments, becoming the first media house in Nepal to embrace comprehensive AI integration.

The historic agreement was formalized during a ceremony at AMN's headquarters in Tinkune on Friday, where Manoj Basnet, General Manager of Annapurna Media Network, and Shishir Bashyal, CEO of US-based Growthzilla Inc., signed the partnership agreement.

Proma.ai, a cutting-edge process management and automation platform, will be implemented across AMN's operations to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. The platform will revolutionize various aspects of the organization, including editorial workflows, advertising campaign management, customer relationship management, team collaboration, project management, and human resource operations.

"We are committed to providing all necessary resources to ensure successful AI implementation," said Bashyal during the signing ceremony. He emphasized that this initiative represents a significant milestone in AMN's digital transformation journey.

AMN General Manager Basnet highlighted the strategic importance of this move: "The adoption of Proma AI positions our organization at the forefront of the digital age. This technology will significantly enhance our team's effectiveness and efficiency, setting new standards in Nepal's media industry."

The implementation, managed by Growthzilla Inc., marks a significant step forward in modernizing Nepal's media landscape, with AMN leading the way in technological advancement and innovation.

Employees working in Annapurna Media Network are to get eight-week free online courses from America.

Data Jupiter, an American company in New York, is to give eight-week free courses to the employees working in Annapurna Media Network on various subjects.

An agreement was signed amidst a program organized at Corporate Tower in Tinkune, Annapurna Media Network’s headquarters, on Friday to give free courses to the employees of Annapurna Media Network and to provide educational certificates from America.

Manoj Basnet, General Manager of Annapurna Media Network, and Prof. Dr Rajan Thapaliya, Director and CEO of Data Jupiter, signed the agreement.

Thapaliya teaches data science, computer science and AI as a professor at National University, University of Arizona and The City University of New York among others.

Annapurna will recommend the name of the employees for the course.

Date Jupiter will provide an eight-week free online course on a subject of their choice along with an educational certificate.

“We are very excited to collaborate with Annapurna Media,” Thapaliya said, adding, “Every course we offer will be taught by professors, experts in their field, working in the US.”

Data Jupiter will provide free courses in Computer Science, Data Science, Cyber ​​Security, AI, Business Studies, Sales and Marketing and AI Journalism among others.

Basnet said that this cooperation will play an instrumental role in increasing the capacity of the employees working in the company and obtaining internationally recognized certificates.

“This agreement is a significant achievement,” he said. “Our employees will be able to get knowledge on various sectors free of cost through this agreement.”

In a move to promote menstrual hygiene and create inclusive economic growth opportunities, USAID Nepal and the USAID Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Partnership and Learning for Sustainability #2 (WASHPaLS#2) Dignified Workplace Program convened around 100 Nepali business leaders to celebrate Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024 in Kathmandu.

The event underscored the commitment of Nepal’s industrial and private sector leaders to fostering menstruation-friendly workplaces, highlighting the positive impact on working women and businesses. This initiative aims to create inclusive economic growth opportunities for all Nepali people.

Two major pledges marked the event: Dignified Workplace Advisory Board members and directors of the Annapurna Media Network, Sachan Thapa and Subha Khanal, committed Rs 1m worth of media spotlight to the Dignified Workplace Program in Nepal. Additionally, Executive Director of Jasmine Hygiene, Punit Sarda, pledged NPR one million worth of sanitary pads to the program.

USAID Nepal Health Office Director Patricia Mengech attended the event and stated, “The United States Government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), is proud of our partnership with the private sector to dignify menstruation across the country and improve the sexual and reproductive health of women workers in Nepal. This support is part of a long-standing partnership—dating back over 70 years—between the US Government and Nepal to improve the health care and wellbeing of Nepalis. By helping remove another obstacle to the advancement of women, together we are contributing to our joint responsibility to make sure economic growth is inclusive of the vulnerable, poor, and marginalized populations (which so often include women), and to promote gender equality and inclusion.”

Dignified Workplace Advisory Board member Gaurav Agarwal, Director of Everest Hospitality and Chairman of the Shikhar Insurance Board, expressed his gratitude in a vote of thanks, stating, “A Dignified Workplace where women are respected and taken care of, including their menstrual hygiene needs, is a human right.” Agarwal also thanked the client companies pioneering the Dignified Workplace Program in Nepal, including Kathmandu Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott, Shikhar General Insurance, Hotel Tibet in Lazimpat, The Wonderland, ECOORB, Hulas Remittance, Om Gold House, Sunita Foundation, and Simrik Air.

The event saw the presence of several other distinguished Nepali business leaders, including Tsering Dolkar Lama and Tsewang Sadutshang from Hotel Tibet, Sashikant Agarwal from MS Group and Reliance Spinning, Saurav Jyoti from the Jyoti Group, Ram Sharan Ji Bhandari from Hams Hospital, Shikhar Garg from Om Gold House and The Wonderland, and Sahara Joshi from NYEF, among others.

Menstruation often brings shame, embarrassment, and physical discomfort for women in Nepal and globally. The Dignified Workplace program in Nepal, a two-year incubation action research project by USAID Nepal and USAID WASHPaLS#2, aims to improve menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) for women workers. It supports the local Dignified Workplace Network in Nepal to deliver integrated workplace-based advisory services.

USAID/WASHPaLS #2, a five-year (2021–2026) task order funded by the Bureau for Global Health, identifies and shares best practices for achieving sustainability, scale, and impact of evidence-based environmental health and WASH interventions. 

The Patan High Court declared the letter issued by Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal to the Annapurna Media Network as illegal, invalid and malicious in a verdict delivered on Monday.

The court also issued a stay order, directing the concerned authorities to refrain from implementing the letter. 

The letter, which was issued beyond the jurisdiction of the civil aviation regulatory body, had sought clarification regarding the news published in the Annapurna Post daily, which is part of the AMN. 

Delivering his ruling, the single bench of Justice Ramesh Dhakal underscored the severity of CAAN's transgression, condemning its undue interference in matters of the press. “It is a direct interference in the constitutionally enshrined press freedom, and it is imperative to stop the implementation of the letter issued by CAAN.” 

The High Court’s ruling came in response to a writ petition filed by Simrik Air against both CAAN and the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. Senior advocate Sushil Kumar Pant and Narendra Prasad Gautam represented the petitioner’s side during the hearing. Notably, the court's ruling emphasized that the legal framework does not grant CAAN, or its Director General Pradeep Adhikari, the authority to oversee media content. 

If CAAN found published content objectionable, the appropriate recourse would be to request the publication of factual, accurate information. Similarly, if media outlets disseminated information detrimental to CAAN's reputation, the court posited that the Press Council Nepal should be the avenue for redress. As democratic norms dictate, oversight and critique of government agencies, including CAAN, are not only warranted but crucial. Stakeholders have the prerogative to express concerns and voice opinions on CAAN's directives, decisions, and policies.