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The media, as a powerful ally, plays a crucial role in disseminating information. It acts like a vigorous weapon, influential in highlighting various aspects of society. Through diverse perspectives, the media significantly impacts the concept of gender and the practices of gender equality. As a potent tool, the media needs to address concerns regarding gender equality. In Nepal, it is imperative that media organizations themselves adopt the core principles of gender equality.

Research done by Media Action Nepal titled “Investing in Women: An analysis of the state of women journalists in Nepal” shows that men highly dominate newsrooms in Nepal. In a 2021 study by Media Action Nepal urged female journalists to occupy the decision-making rules. The result was shocking as only 0.3 percent of news carried the bylines of female journalists out of a sample of 21,919 news items. This disparity clearly shows the perspective of gender issues where women's representation is low in media organizations. The contribution of the media is critical in determining how gender equality is highlighted and how the media raises awareness about challenging traditional gender norms. It is essential for the media to increase social awareness, encourage positive changes in people’s views and behaviors towards relevant issues, and to amplify voices that support the community’s welfare. The issues related to gender should be highlighted as it advocates for equality among both genders, which is crucial in policy-making and decision-making.

Also, the recent research by the Media Advocacy Group (MAC) reveals low media coverage on women politicians. Women represent 33 percent in Nepali politics, but despite their active engagement and contributions, they are ignored by the media. The coverage of women in politics should be highly prioritized, as it underscores their vital role in the political landscape. 

Equal representation of women in the media is essential for media pluralism, leading to diversity, inclusivity, and a more equitable society. It helps challenge biases and stereotypes, balancing the underrepresentation perspective. Media pluralism refers to the diversity of ideas, perspectives, and content, ensuring women's voices are heard. This environment fosters diverse participation from different groups, including women, leading to meaningful representation in the media.

Women’s voices and representation should be heeded by the media, as it contributes to diverse opinions and changes in society. Through inclusive representation and portrayal of women in the media, their particular views can be addressed, which helps in building an inclusive society. Organizations like Sancharika Samuha Nepal (SASN), have been crucial in shaping the voices and ideas of both genders. It has been constantly working against women’s violence, highlighting the importance of women’s representation in the media. Additionally, UN Women Nepal mobilizes stakeholders within the UN system for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) in Nepal, co-chairing the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) to ensure Gender Justice and Social Inclusion. There is a need for more such organizations in Nepal to ensure the role of women and the equality of both genders. The media’s role is impactful through these processes, significantly affecting the understanding of gender norms and values. 

Prakriti Thapa

BA IInd year

Tribhuvan University

Several countries have urged their nationals to leave Lebanon, with the US warning its citizens to do so on “any ticket available”, as fears grow of a wider conflict in the Middle East. Iran has vowed “severe” retaliation against Israel, which it blames for the death of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday. Israel has not commented.

Haniyeh’s assassination came hours after Israel killed Hezbollah senior commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Western officials fear that Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia and political movement based in Lebanon, could play a key role in any such retaliation, which in turn could spark a serious Israeli response. Reacting to such concerns, the US, the UK, Sweden, France, Italy, Canada and Jordan urged their citizens to leave Lebanon as soon as possible, as a growing number of flights are canceled or suspended at the country’s only commercial airport in Beirut.

Nepal does not have an actual number regarding the Nepali citizens in Lebanon. However, organizations working for the welfare of Nepalis there estimate that there could be more than 5,000 Nepalis there. According to the Nepali Army, there are 1,900 Nepali peacekeepers in Lebanon. 

As of Sunday, Nepal has not taken any measure to bring back the Nepalis, who are in Lebanon and want to return due to the growing insecurity, although Nepali Embassy in Egypt has urged the Nepali citizens living in Lebanon to exercise caution.

Issuing a press note, the embassy that also looks after Lebanon said, “Nepalis living in Lebanon are urged to exercise caution in view of the possible escalation of war.” 

The embassy has also asked the Nepali citizens to contact the Honorary Consulate General of Nepal in Beirut to drop their necessary details via the embassy’s website.

Nepali Congress leader Kamal Bahadur Shah has been appointed as the chief minister of Sudurpaschim Province.

Province Chief Najir Minya appointed Shah as the new chief minister of the province in accordance with Article 168 (2) of Constitution of Nepal. Shah is backed by the CPN-UML and the Nagarik Unmukti Party.

Earlier, the meeting of the Parliamentary Party of NC in the province had decided to field Shah as chief minister.

However, the aspirants from the NC for chief minister were Bahadur Singh Thapa, Prakash Bahadur Deuba and Diwan Singh Bista.

Shah was forwarded after the direction from the party's central leadership.

It is the second time Shah is appointed the chief minister. He was elected people's representative from Kailali constituency no 2 (a) through the 2079 elections.

In the first stint, Shah was appointed as the chief minister with the support of CPN (Maoist Center), Nagarik Unmukti Party, and CPN (Unified Socialist) on February 10, 2023.

He became the chief minister for the second time now in the wake of changes in political alliances at the central level.

The Province Assembly has 18 members from NC, 11 from UML, 10 from Maoist Centre, seven from Nagarik Unmukti, four from Unified Socialist and one each from RPP and independent.

Five people lost their lives on the Annapurna trekking route last fiscal year.

The Annapurna Circuit trek, known for its stunning beauty, is also one of the world's most hazardous treks, ranking as the 10th most risky globally.

The deceased are an US citizen, an Indian national, a Briton, and two Nepalis.

According to Dhak Bahadur Bhujel, Chief of the Annapurna Area Conservation Project (ACAP) unit, the majority of the fatalities here so far are attributed to high-altitude sickness.

The 69-year-old US citizen died after falling off a cliff at Khotro of Naso Rural Municipality-3 in Manang while the 35-year-old tourist from India succumbed to high-altitude sickness at Todanda of Manang Ngisyang Rural Municipality-9.  The Briton was found dead in a hotel room in Meta, Narpabhumi Rural Municipality-2.

Hari Adhikari (35) of Phulkharka in Ganga Jamuna Rural Municipality, a porter, died of altitude sickness near the Chulubes Camp in Manang Ngisyang-6.

Dadhiram Dangi (49) of Ghorahi Sub-Metropolis-9 in Dang, passed away near the Tiliho Base Camp. An autopsy report of Dangi is awaited.

Binod Gurung, Chair of the Tourism Entrepreneurs Association of Manang, stressed the need to know the weather conditions in Manang before embarking on the trek.

Weather in Manang demands a gradual adaptation process and neglecting this may significantly increase the risk of high-altitude sickness.

Four newly appointed ministers of Karnali Province government have taken the oath of office and secrecy today.

Karnali Province Chief Yagya Raj Joshi administered the oath of office and secretary to Rajiv Bikram Shah (Jajarkot), Ghanshyam Bhandari (Dailekh), Suresh Adhikari (Salyan) and Bijaya Budha (Humla).

Shah has been appointed as the Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning, Bhandari as Minister for Social Development, Adhikari as Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment and Budha as Minister for Water Resources and Energy Development.  

Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has said that an amendment to the Constitution has been realized to promote progression and prosperity in the country.

He said the existing political equation involving two major political parties: the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML is expected to proceed with the constitution's amendment in the pursuit of progression and prosperity.

In his address to a party program at Chyasal today, he argued that it is a false accusation to say that major parties are seeking to amend the Constitution for regression. "The Constitution is an amendable document as per the needs of the country and the people."   At the program held at the party's central office, the party vice chair and central members nominated by the party were sworn in.

He added that the need to amend the country's main law has been realized to strengthen democracy, increase its gravity and acceptability, explore additional bases for development and prosperity, and get connected to the citizens. "The Constitution is not unamendable."

The leader further stressed that politics be practiced for clean competition and the service of citizens.  

A month-long festival will be starting in Swoyambhu tomorrow. It is said all the preparations for the festival are complete.

Swoyambhu Management and Conservation Mahasamiti expects a higher turnout of devotees this time, following the recent reconstruction of the monuments at the historic site.

Mahasamiti General Secretary Ashok Buddhacharya said shops that were being operated in the makeshift tents have been removed for the convenience of visitors. The Committee hopes that around 500, 000 people from home and abroad will observe the event.  

Imports of cooking gas (liquefied petroleum gas) and avian turbine fuel (ATF) via the Birgunj point decreased last fiscal year compared to the previous fiscal year. Data shows that the import of cooking gas decreased by four percent while the import of jet fuel witnessed a significant fall of 71 percent.

According to Birgunj Customs Office's Information Officer Raghulal Karna, during the fiscal year 2079-80 BS (2022-23), a total of 290,287 metric tons of cooking gas amounting to Rs 33.13 billion was imported while it was 267,048 metric tons worth Rs 30 billion last fiscal year.

The imports went down by 11,238 metric tons.

Similarly, the data indicates that 597,144 kiloliters (KL) of jet fuel worth Rs 17.31 billion was imported during the fiscal year 2078-79 BS (2021-22) via the point against 173,484 KL last fiscal year. However, the value of the fuel imported last fiscal year was Rs 18.21 billion due to an increased price of ATF. 

Despite the reduction in the imports of cooking gas and aviation turbine fuel (ATF), the imports of diesel and petrol increased. Diesel imports rose by four percent, while petrol imports soared by two percent compared to the previous year.

For the fiscal year 2079/80 (2022-23), diesel imports amounted to Rs 113.58 billion for 1,040,506 KL, and petrol imports totaled Rs 38.24 billion for 389,711 KL. In the previous fiscal year, diesel imports were valued at Rs 109.29 billion for 1,083,520 KL, and petrol imports at Rs 39.02 billion for 394,723 KL.

It is noted that 70 percent of Nepal's fuel requirements are addressed through supplies via Birgunj.