Barbara Foundation honors journalists
The Barbara Foundation has awarded the top prize of this year’s ‘Barbara Foundation Investigative Journalism Award 2024’ to Devendra Bhattarai, Matrika Dahal, Deepa Dahal, and Ramesh Kumar. Bhattarai and Matrika Dahal.
The four joint winners were feted for a series of news stories, published on Kantipur daily, that exposed the fake Bhutanese refugee scam involving various politicians and high level government officials, among others.
The award, carrying a purse of Rs 1.6m, was presented by actors Madan Krishna Shrestha and Hari Bansha Acharya, and the foundation’s chair, Dr Sanduk Ruit, at an event held in Kathmandu on Thursday.
Deepa Dahal of Ukaalo.com and Ramesh Kumar of Himal Khabar won the second and third prizes, respectively. Dahal was awarded with RS 600,000 for uncovering the illegal appropriation of government land in Bansbari, while Kumar received Rs 300,000 as prize money for exposing the manipulation in the securities market.
Akhilesh Upadhyay, a member of the foundation, mentioned that 83 journalists had applied for the award, and four of them were selected as recipients. Among the applicants, around 90 percent were from print and online media, although investigative journalism extends beyond these platforms.
Upadhyay emphasized the significant role investigative journalism plays in creating an accountable society. He also noted that investigative journalism encompasses not only exposing corruption and political issues but also addressing social issues.
Three foreign nationals held with cocaine worth around Rs 80 million
Police have arrested three foreign nationals in possession of cocaine worth around Rs 80 million.
Organizing a press conference in Kathmandu on Thursday, the Narcotics Control Bureau informed that three foreign nationals were apprehended with 2. 65 kg cocaine from various places of the Capital.
Police said that they have apprehended Kevin Mugala (44) of Uganda, who came to Kathmandu from Qatar on May 12, with 1. 26 kg of cocaine from Sinamangal.
Similarly, Lilyan Susanath of Uganda was nabbed with 1.39 kg of cocaine from Dhobichaur on May 15.
Likewise, Indian national Diwa Jani Pal (33) was held with 394 grams of cocaine on May 15.
According to police, all the arrestees are involved in the international gang.
Police said that they are searching for other persons involved in the drug smuggling.
Bhaktapur Hospital to provide free treatment for uterine prolapse
Bhaktapur Hospital has arranged for free of cost treatment and surgery for those suffering from uterine prolapse.
Hospital Director Dr Sumitra Gautam said that the free treatment and surgery for uterine prolapses has started from today in the hospital.
Dr Gautam said, "Many women are suffering from the problem of uterine prolapse. Some have concealed the condition due to poverty, while others have not been able to undergo surgery due to financial problems. We request all such patients not to hide the disease and come to the hospital for the treatment."
She further shared that the free of cost services to those needy are arranged till Mid-June from today.
Madan-Ashrit Memorial Day being marked
The 31st Memorial Day of the CPN (UML)'s then general-secretary Madan Bhandari and Organization Department Chief Jeebraj Ashrit is being marked today recalling their contributions.
The CPN-UML and CPN (Unified Socialist) organized various programs to observe the day.
The two leaders died in a jeep accident at Dasdhunga in Chitwan on May 16, 1993.
It may be noted that the UML has been adopting the guiding principle of the People's Multi-party Democracy presented by Bhandari in the fifth national general convention of the party.
