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Working Women Journalists (WWJ) has successfully concluded a three-day training program with the objective of enhancing the capacity of women journalists.

The training, titled "Investigative Reporting on Parliamentary Affairs for Women Journalists" was organized with the support of the UNDP’s PSP Project and was attended by 25 women journalists from various media outlets.

On the first day, Dr. Jagat Nepal, a lecturer at Tribhuvan University, provided training on the structure, functions, and procedures of Parliament. Likewise, Narendra Saud, News Editor of Annapurna Post, delivered a presentation on parliamentary reporting and its practical aspects.

On the second day, former Minister for Communication and Information Technology Rekha Sharma shared her experiences related to gender issues in Parliament and the media. In the second session, Rajendra Fuyal, former Secretary of the National Assembly under the Federal Parliament, briefed participants on the Parliament Secretariat and its key responsibilities.

On the third day, senior journalist and former President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Shiva Gaunle, conducted a session on ethical standards in investigative journalism. Similarly in the second session, Namrata Sharma, former Chairperson of the Center for Investigative Journalism, presented on investigative journalism in parliamentary reporting.

Certificates were distributed to the participants by UNDP / PSP Project National Project Manager Dila Dutta Pant, senior journalist Namrata Sharma, and former President and Advisor of WWJ, Shubheksha Bindu.

Addressing the program, National Project Manager Pant emphasized that women journalists should aspire to become experts rather than remain only reporters in the field of parliamentary reporting.

He stated that Parliament is a vast source of stories with many unexplored issues and stressed that those who take leadership in this area will succeed. "If you step forward and take leadership, you can do very well in this field", Pant said.

WWJ President Ramkala Khadka said the training was organized to strengthen democracy by promoting investigative journalism in parliamentary affairs, ensuring accountability of power, and providing accurate information to the public.

She noted that women journalists can undertake investigative reporting on issues such as corruption and financial irregularities, conflicts of interest in law-making, parliamentary committee proceedings, and the impact of policy decisions.

Earlier, with UNDP’s support, WWJ had also completed a study on the role of women parliamentarians in representation within Nepal’s Parliament.

Participants shared that the training was highly beneficial. One of the participants, Mamta Thapa, said she had identified several investigative story ideas related to parliamentary accounting issues after the training and suggested that WWJ should introduce fellowship programs to encourage women journalists to produce investigative stories.

Another participant, Arati Poudel, also stated that the training helped her gain extensive knowledge about Parliament and the potential areas for investigative reporting within it.

The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nepal hosted an interaction program with media professionals in Kathmandu on December 22, coinciding with the New Year celebrations and Russian Christmas, observed on January 7.

The event aimed to mark and strengthen constructive cooperation between the embassy and Nepal’s journalistic community. 

It provided a platform for exchanging views on contemporary issues, reviewing ongoing collaboration, and reaffirming Russia’s commitment to open and professional engagement with the media.

Speaking on the occasion, Charge d’Affaires Andrei Kiselenko highlighted Nepal–Russia diplomatic relations and acknowledged the role of the Nepali media in strengthening bilateral ties. 

He expressed hope for continued media support and further expansion of cooperation between the two countries.

The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has imposed a penalty on three eateries for not complying with the quality standards.

According to the department, a fine of Rs 15,000 has been imposed on Thakkhola Thakali Bhasna Ghar, Rs 10,000 on Pakkala Pvt. Ltd. and Rs 20,000 on Indreni Food World and Banquet in Kathmandu. 

Action has been taken against the offenders under Section 38 (d) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2075 BS.

Section 38(d) of the Act guarantees the consumer's right to obtain essential information about goods, specifically details on quantity, ingredients, and percentage of mixed substances, ensuring transparency and empowering informed choices against potential harm or misrepresentation. 

Out of a total of 18 hotels and eateries inspected by the department, three were penalized while 15 have been cautioned along with a directive to make the required improvement.

The Department of Passport will now issue passports within two working days. 

The Department has received new 396,000 passport booklets to be distributed to those who need them urgently.

The Department is now supplying passports at full capacity. 

With the supply of the passport booklets, the Department will personalize the passports at full capacity and provide them to those who have applied from the district, area administration offices and Nepali missions abroad.

Those who applied by last December 1 will be provided with new passports by December 30, and the rest will be provided gradually following it, the Department has stated.

The Department has clarified that the distribution of new passports will now be smooth, as the new passport booklets have been available for the interim period. 

The government had decided to procure 700,000 booklets for the interim period.