Press Council committed to take action against media involved in spreading false information: Basnet

Press Council Nepal Chairman Bal Krishna Basnet said that he is determined to take action against any media that spurs anarchy.

Mentioning that legal action has been taken against some media for deliberately disseminating false information to disrupt social harmony and incite ethnic hatred, he said, “Some elements may be active to create confusion in the society by attacking the system. Media should always stay far from such characters and trends. The Council has already taken action against some media. Others will also be brought to book.”

Speaking at an orientation class attended by the editors of newly launched online media on Tuesday, he said that the violation of journalistic code of conduct is the abuse of press freedom, urning all to do journalism responsibly.

Just 2 weeks ago, the Press Council had written to Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police to take action against 43 YouTube channels for carrying out wrong activities under the guise of journalism.

Further action is being taken by placing some media in black list.

Chairman Basnet said that the online and YouTube media, which are flourishing in the digital world, should always be careful of being used by any interest group.

“Journalism has its own values, beliefs and principles. There are codes of conduct accepted globally. Spreading false information through media is also to provoke the society,” Basnet said.

Meanwhile, journalist duo Keshav Sharan Lamichhane and Bijay Raj Adhikari have been appointed as the board members in the Council.

 

Bote community trained in plastic management

In an effort to combat rising pollution in Nepal's rivers, CREASION Nepal organized a “Capacity Building Training for Vulnerable Communities” on October 26, 2024, for the Bote community of Chitwan and informal waste workers (IWW). The training gathered 20 participants, including 10 Bote members, to enhance skills in plastic waste management and recycling, focusing on economic opportunities in the circular economy.

Sujata Koirala, CREASION Nepal General Secretary and CAP Project focal person, emphasized the Bote’s traditional role as river stewards, whose livelihoods are increasingly impacted by plastic waste. The program covered hands-on training in waste collection, sorting, and sales, along with financial strategies to promote sustainable practices.

“By empowering the Bote to manage waste effectively, we aim to reduce pollution and protect their rivers and community,” Koirala said, adding that these skills are crucial for fostering a cleaner, safer environment.

Hilton Kathmandu kicks off festive season with cake mixing

Hilton Kathmandu marked the beginning of the festive season with a joyful Cake Mixing Ceremony at its Lava Box coffee shop, drawing in guests, partners, and team members for a celebration filled with tradition and holiday spirit. This inaugural event embraced the rich aromas of spices, fruits, and spirits, officially kicking off Hilton’s seasonal festivities and creating an atmosphere of warmth and cheer.

The Cake Mixing Ceremony, a longstanding holiday tradition symbolizing unity and joy, encouraged participants to don Santa hats and aprons as they joined Hilton’s culinary team in blending dried fruits, nuts, and spices soaked in liqueurs. The spirited gathering highlighted the communal preparation of the fruit mixture that will soon become Hilton’s signature holiday fruitcake, bringing together friends, family, and the local community.

“We are delighted to introduce this cherished tradition to Kathmandu, celebrating joy, togetherness, and the anticipation of the holiday season,” said Sanjeev Jaiswal, Director of Food & Beverage at Hilton Kathmandu. “This event embodies the heart of Hilton’s hospitality – creating unique experiences that celebrate culture and connection.”

Guests, influencers, and media were in attendance, capturing the highlights and enjoying festive treats and signature cocktails crafted specially for the occasion. The Cake Mixing Ceremony is set to become an annual fixture, symbolizing Hilton Kathmandu’s commitment to celebrating community and holiday tradition.

Tihar treats

Tihar is here and with that it’s time to entertain and indulge in some good food that you normally wouldn’t have the time to make. Food isn’t just something to fill your tummies with, it can be a way to foster connection and bond with family and friends. But what can you serve that doesn’t come in a box, won’t make you guilt-ridden because of the holiday weight gain, and is quick and easy to make? Here we have four ideas that might be able to help you get started on your festive meal prep.

Sooji halwa

Sooji halwa is a pudding made of semolina and all you need is three ingredients: Sooji, ghee, and sugar. It’s super easy to make. You just have to fry sooji in ghee till it’s light brown in color, add sugar and then let it simmer in water for a bit. You can replace sugar with jaggery and add some dry fruits if you want. You can batch make this dish and keep it in the fridge to dole out when guests arrive. Serve it hot or cold depending on your preference. If you want to take it up a notch, try making gajar ko halwa or moong dal halwa. The process is pretty much the same.

Masala peanuts

Who doesn’t love a savory snack especially at a time when the sweet stuff is all that you are offered everywhere you go. A really simple thing you can do is buy some peanuts and mix that with chopped onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, add some basic spices and salt, sprinkle some lemon juice and a mouthwatering snack is ready in minutes. You can also skip the other ingredients and just sprinkle spices, salt, and lemon over plain peanuts if you want a basic flavor.

Coconut barfi bites

Here’s a simple recipe for a mithai that feels indulgent and healthy at the same time. Mix all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Add three eggs one at a time and a teaspoon of vanilla. Combine the dry and wet ingredients and whisk. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes. Once the barfi cools down, top it up with a mixture of shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, salt, and ground cardamom, and refrigerate for 15 minutes before cutting into bite-size pieces to enjoy.

Mango lassi

Lassi is basically a cross between a milkshake and a smoothie. Mango lassi is a simple thing to make. All you need is about equal amounts of mangoes and creamy full-fat yogurt, a little ice, and a high-powered blender to combine these ingredients into a delicious treat. You can replace the mangoes with any other sweet fruit like bananas, strawberries, or papaya and the result is just as spectacular. There is no hard and fast rule about how thick or thin your lassi needs to be. It depends on how you want it to be. But it helps to make it thinned out enough to be drinkable through a straw.

Three types of dengue viruses active in Nepal

The Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases Control Division has confirmed that three types of dengue viruses -- serotype-1, serotype-2 and serotype-3 -- are active in Nepal. 

Chief of the Division's Vector Borne Disease Control Section Dr Gokarna Prasad Dahal confirmed that DV-1, -2, and -3 were reported in the country.

"In the past, serotype-1, serotype-2, serotype-3 and serotype-4 were active. Based on the study of genes of the virus, three types of them were found to be active now," Dr Dahal said.

He shared that the risk of dengue fever continues till the month of Kartik (mid-November) as the mosquitoes remain active up to that period.

After that, the dengue-transmitting mosquitoes will vanish gradually as the temperature dips.

So far, all districts except Humla have reported dengue and the cases exceeded 27,000 with 11 deaths this year.

Kaski district has the highest number of dengue cases with 7,080 and the number of dengue patients is 5,748 in the Kathmandu Valley.

The government has launched a campaign of "Larva Search and Destroy" every Friday to prevent the spread of dengue.

The mosquito-borne disease is transmitted by Aedes-aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The mosquitoes of the species are active in the morning and evening time and breed in the pooled water. It is said that the white blood cell count goes down in the critical cases of dengue.

The mosque-transmitted disease which was mostly found in Terai-Madhes in the past has now spread across the country including even in the mountainous areas.

 

Annapurna Media Network’s office opened in America

Annapurna Media Network in collaboration with the American company Bi-Streams LLC opened its office in the United States.  

The office was opened in Gainesville, Virginia, USA.

Adrian Pokharel, Chairman of Bi-Streams LLC, inaugurated the office amidst a special function.

A DBA partnership agreement was signed between Annapurna Media Network and American company Bi-Streams LLC to launch the 'Annapurna Media Network-USA' in America.

The agreement was signed by Manoj Basnet, General Manager of Annapurna Media Network and Adrian Pokharel, Chairman of Bi-Streams LLC America and Director Sabina Khanal.

According to the agreement, the Annapurna Media Network’s bureau office will also remain in the same office.

Bi-Streams LLC is a company registered in Virginia, USA

The Commonwealth of Virginia State Corporation Commission had granted permission on September 25, 2024 had granted permission to Bi-Streams to operate the 'Annapurna Media Network USA' under the DBA.

“We have taken important steps to successfully launch the 'AMN USA' in America in collaboration with Bi-Streams LLC. This is an important opportunity to take our media network to new heights,” Bi-Streams LLC Chairman Adrian Pokharel said. “Our mission has always been clear. We always wanted to take Nepali media to the international platform, bring together the diaspora Nepalis community and take the materials produced in Nepal to the world,” he said.

“We want to connect the Nepali diaspora living in the US with Nepal under the 'AMN USA' and give easy access to news, radio, television, and other media content. After the operation of the office in America, Annapurna Media Network will soon be registered in the international media house,” Pokharel further said.

“Our future vision is to make Nepali media competitive at the international level,” he said, adding, “This will create opportunities for all of us.”

Annapurna Media Network General Manager Basnet said that the DBA collaborated with Bystream in the US as part of a campaign to make AMN an international brand.

The Annapurna Media Network has been operating media platforms such as Annapurna Post Daily, The Annapurna Express Daily, Radio Annapurna Nepal 94 MHz, Online News Portal Annapurna Post.com and AP1 Television among others.

 

 

 

 

 

Nepse surges by 46. 69 points on Tuesday

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 46.69 points to close at 2,692.05 points on Tuesday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 8.33 points to close at 481. 28 points.

A total of 13,373,481-unit shares of 319 companies were traded for Rs 6. 12 billion.

Meanwhile, Saptakoshi Development Bank Ltd (SAPDBL), Sanima GIC Insurance Limited (SGIC) and Kutheli Bukhari Small Hydropower Limited (KBSH) were the top gainers today, with its price surging by 10. 00 percent.

Likewise, NIFRA Uraj Rinpatra7%-2085/86 (NIFRAUR85/86) was the top loser as its price fell by 1.95 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 28 trillion.

Immigration office established at Korala check point

An immigration office has been established at Korala check point in Lomanthang of Upper Mustang.

According to the District Administration Office, Mustang, the office would be officially inaugurated within a few days.

Assistant Chief District Officer, Ram Prasad Subedi, said all preparations for the office inauguration have been completed. Import and export would be easier as well as one can travel across the Chinese border once the office comes into operation, he mentioned.

"Now, only residents of Mustang have got permits to go to China via the Korala check point. With the operation of the Immigration Office, all Nepali citizens can cross the border as well as Chinese tourists can visit Mustang via this border after getting a visa", Subedi explained.

A 10-room Immigration and Security Post building has been constructed. Preparation has been made to provide integrated service from Korala check point after constructing necessary infrastructures.