Journalism Under Digital Pressure

 

Considering its impact on a large number of people and the sensitivity the profession entails, journalism is a challenging job. The evolution of digital technologies and solutions has further deepened the challenges, as one has to combat the floods of misinformation, malinformation, and disinformation. The 24-hour job has its allegiance to society and public interest, responsibility to inform, educate and entertain the masses and conduct surveillance of the environment to check the untoward, and accountability for every performance. What is alarming is that many journalists and media persons do not realise this sensitivity and the demands of their profession. 

The evolution of digital technology in media and mass communication has created both opportunities and risks. Adherence to the code of conduct, respect for the privacy of individuals, and responsible use of freedom of expression and opinion have now greater importance in the field. This is instrumental in upholding the freedom of the press – one of the fundamental rights in democracies. Cut-throat competition among the media and platforms and the race to beat the other by speed in delivering information have now resulted in sensationalisation of news information, biases and negligence of journalists' code of conduct. 

However, Stephan Russ-Mohl and Tanjev Schulz, in their book 'Journalism in the Digital Age', mention that journalism as a profession is going through a sea change, as the large corporate media houses and legacy media have now further heightened the qualifications of journalists in their hiring, slashing down the number of journalists and hiring young content creators is gaining momentum. Meanwhile, experienced journalists are increasingly attracted to digital platforms like YouTube and Instagram and leaving traditional media channels, as such media are 'not paying enough'. This failure to keep experienced journalists with them has serious repercussions for the media, both in terms of information creation and management. 

The book offers some solutions to the challenges faced by the contemporary news media and journalists. While maintaining good journalism practices in the age of information blizzards and influencers has become a tedious task, journalists have to be vigilant twenty-four-seven and have to struggle to maintain balance between speed and accuracy. 

In such a scenario, Russ-Mohl and Schulz have prescribed some remedies for the reporters, editors/gatekeepers and journalistic content writers. Journalism is not only about writing news but also about interviews, editorials, reportage, features, portraits, obituaries and product profiles, they remind. Experienced journalists also write columns and opinion pieces as well as commentaries on current and controversial issues. 

One of the strengths of the book is the dissection of the news values for contemporary society. These include negativity and positivity in the news, human interest and sentiments, dynamics of centrality, authority and prominence, proximity and relevancy, and timeliness and continuity. Similarly, it discusses in depth the tendency of lifting news information from other media on the internet and publishing on one's own platform. 

The essence of journalism is research and investigation about every event, happening and claim. Journalists need to get along with the people, consult the documents and might also need to use various databases and applications to verify the information that reaches to them from various sources. Publishing news as received by him/her might do more harm than good, although the recent practice of quasi-journalism has been a boon for the section of journalists who enjoy armchair journalism. It has also been helping the 'self-employment media' – a distorted type of media ownership seen recently in Nepal – with the content of everyday events. 

Meanwhile, social media platforms have created additional pressures to the journalists to disseminate news information instantly. As every channel has expanded its online presence, competition has become multi-faceted, and it demands constant attention and dedication. 

The authors also prescribe the structure for comprehensive writing, which should be simple, well organised, straightforward, and impactful. It is crucial not to use vague words that could deliver multiple meanings and have a negative impact on readability and understanding. Gender balance and respect for minority communities are also equally important, argue the authors. They suggest that journalists should begin their research from the names of the sources and institutions that are to be mentioned in the news story and move along to decode meanings from statistical archives. 

News reporters should open their eyes and ears to observe the situation on the ground, talk to as many people, including eyewitnesses and authorities, as possible, collect all the relevant documents, and know the background of the issue/event. 

The book also contains separate chapters on writing and editing and editorial management amidst the pressures for advertising revenue and from external actors. The book, translated into Nepali by Laxman Shrestha, Tilak Pathak and Ujjwal Acharya, can be a handbook for journalists of all levels – reporters, sub-editors to editorial managers. 

The CMR Journalism Academy has done a commendable job by publishing such a quality book on journalism in the Nepali language. Although several universities in Nepal run bachelor's and master's degree programmes in media, journalism and communication, there is a dearth of quality textbooks and reference books in the Nepali language. They can fill the gap to some extent. The book is divided into five sections and 15 chapters. 

Towards the end of the book, the authors have dealt with the question of the day – is quality journalism at risk? They also suggest some solutions while keeping digitalisation at the centre. 

Published in The Rising Nepal's Friday Supplement on 4 September 2026.   

NICCI, BU to bridge academia-industry gap

Kathmandu, Aug. 28

The Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) and Bagmati University (BU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote institutional collaboration between the two institutions and bridge the gap between academia and industry.

"The partnership will focus on internships, facilitating placement, joint research initiatives, academic-industry exchange, skill and capacity-building programmes, and the co-hosting of training sessions, workshops, conferences, and seminars," the NICCI said in a statement on Friday.

The agreement seeks to build a dynamic interface between academic knowledge and industry practice, equipping students with practical skills while strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship through joint efforts.

The MoU was signed by President of NICCI Sunil KC and President of The BU Prof. Dr. Chandra Mani Poudel. The BU is a public university established by Bagmati Province.

As per the MoU, the two institutions will collaborate to establish a platform for internship and job placement facilitation, joint research and innovation, capacity-building and training, and academia-industry conferences and workshops.

It will also be used for knowledge exchange and publications, entrepreneurship and start-up support, student and faculty engagement, policy advocacy, and infrastructure and centre development.

Both institutions expressed confidence that the partnership will strengthen academia-industry collaboration, enhance youth skills, and encourage entrepreneurship in the years ahead. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 29 August 2026.   

LBEF launches MBA in AI, Digital Leadership

Kathmandu, Aug. 7

Lord Buddha Education Foundation (LBEF) has launched an MBA in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Leadership. The two new courses have been introduced in response to the rapid advancement of AI and information technology, as well as growing market demand, said the college.

LBEF Chairman Engineer Pankaj Jalan said the MBA in AI and Digital Leadership programmes have been approved by Nepal's Ministry of Education and are affiliated with the Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU). The programmes also carry equivalency recognition from Tribhuvan University. The Foundation has partnered with DLA Consulting to deliver the two programmes.

Jalan said at the programme launch on Wednesday evening that AI is no longer merely a technology of the future but has become an essential tool across banking, business, management, data analysis, report preparation and routine office operations.

The Foundation also announced plans to establish a dedicated on-site AI server laboratory. It is in the process of importing AI servers into Nepal.

With access to the Foundation's own AI servers, students will be able to conduct experiments, testing and practical learning, enabling them to move beyond textbooks and online videos to gain direct experience with AI technologies.

Likewise, DLA Consulting Founder and Chairman Suman Neupane said that the LBEF is introducing the programmes by bringing an internationally recognised AI curriculum to Nepal.

  Published in The Rising Nepal on 8 August 2026. 

Higher Study Choices

 

Until 2000, students securing good grades in SLC (now SEE) would choose Science as their priority subject in intermediate or 'plus two' level. Science was, and is, a gateway to engineering, medicine, and other areas that would yield better incomes to professionals. Those not wanting to join the stream would opt for Maths or English as their major in Humanities. Subjects like Nepali Literature, Political Science, and Economics were treated as inferior ones. 

Education as a stream at the university would be ranked at the bottom in terms of the student choices, while Management was something that society would mention in an adage, 'A wayward son ends up in commerce, while a wayward daughter becomes a staff nurse'. The second part of the saying had its roots in social concepts that daughters should be limited to household chores, not work outside. 

Sociology never received the respect from the students and society. For many, pursuing disciplines like Sociology was just a 'timepass'. As the country entered a liberal economic regime in the early 1990s, attraction to management and commerce studies went up significantly, with many pursuing BBA or MBA. For several decades, higher study was pursued generally by a few motivated individuals whose primary intention was to broaden their knowledge and contribute to society, if possible. 

However, in modern times, education has become a tool to satisfy individual economic needs through high-income jobs. Those who pursued general subjects in Social Sciences and Education would ultimately curse themselves for choosing subjects that didn't lead to high-earning jobs. It has a significant repercussion on their psychology, confidence, and social positioning.  

Societies in the Indian subcontinent have greater respect for a few so-called 'high-profile' subjects. The society has long been disgracing its own youngsters based on the disciplines they pursue in their university courses. Parents, therefore, guide or force their kids to take up subjects that command respect from society. Likewise, there is another section that had interest in humanities but pursued engineering, and failed to excel in either of them. A Bollywood blockbuster '3 Idiots' has beautifully portrayed it by telling a story of a youth who wanted to be a photographer, but his family forced him to join engineering. 

As a result, we have unsatisfied professionals and employees who keep complaining about their job mismatch, low pay, unfit/unsuitable environment for their nature. They keep on boasting that they would have done a lot better in other sectors. While a few of them have managed to satisfy their 'first love' subject/work with a part-time job or training, many have failed their employers, families, and themselves. 

In Nepal, thousands of high school science students don't join medicines or engineering in their bachelor's degrees but enroll in management, economics, or other subjects in humanities, commerce, or social science. In particular, the number of students pursuing BBA instead of medicine or engineering is increasing after completing high school in science. 

Now, we have fewer historians, linguists, geologists, and geographers. The economy is not only run by the doctors, engineers, or managers alone; it also needs sociologists, economists, linguists, educationists, planners, psychologists, and whatnot. But sadly, universities in Nepal are shutting down the departments of many such disciplines. Lower payment, lower job satisfaction, and a lack of specific skills have frustrated both the employees and employers. A change in the social mindset and workplace attitude is needed to bring about change in the scenario. There is diversity in society and in the economy, so there should also be diversity in education and disciplines. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 29 June 2026.       

Thapa appointed Chair of TU Service Commission

Jha named Ministry Advisor

 

Kathmandu, July 1

The government has appointed former secretary and urban planner Kishor Thapa as Chair of the Tribhuvan University Service Commission.

The appointment was made by Prime Minister and Chancellor of Tribhuvan University, Balendra Shah.

The Chair Recommendation Committee, led by Pro-Chancellor and Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel, had reviewed applications, conducted evaluations and interviews, and recommended three candidates to the Chancellor for the position.

Widely recognised as an architect and urban planner, Thapa has contributed to Nepal's civil service for more than four decades in a range of senior leadership roles. He previously served as Secretary at the Ministry of Urban Development, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, and the Water and Energy Commission Secretariat, among other government institutions.

He played a leading role in the formulation and implementation of several major government policies and programmes, including the National Housing Plan, the National Urban Development Strategy, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Policy, and Nepal Tourism Year 2011.

Following the 2015 earthquake, Thapa served as an expert member of the Steering Committee of the National Reconstruction Authority, contributing to the country's post-disaster reconstruction efforts. He brings extensive experience in housing, urban development, infrastructure, disaster management and public policy.

Likewise, Professor Dr. Rejina Maskey has also been appointed as a Member of the Commission.

Meanwhile, Shailendra Jha, has been appointed Advisor to the Ministry of Education and Sports.

Jha is currently undertaking academic study and professional research at Vanderbilt University in the United States under the prestigious Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship (2025–26) funded by the U.S. Department of State.

Previously, Jha served as a Board Member of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Urban Planning Commission, where he oversaw education, technology and social innovation. In that role, he led policy development, strategic planning, resource mobilisation and monitoring for the Metropolitan City's Education Department, Social Development Department, and research and innovation initiatives.

He also spent nearly eight years with Teach for Nepal. Jha is the founding Chair of BITS Leader International Pvt. Ltd. Academically, he holds Master's degrees in Information and Communication Engineering from Germany, Development Management from the Philippines, and Applied Economics from Bangladesh.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 2 July 2026.      

AI training for educators

Kathmandu, June 19

The Computer Association Nepal (CAN Federation) and the Higher Institutions and Secondary Schools Association Nepal (HISAN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement digital transformation initiatives in the education sector.

The two organisations will jointly conduct a nationwide ‘AI for Educators’ workshop series across all seven provinces, the CAN Federation informed in a statement on Friday.

The programme aims to bridge gaps between educational governance and local technology development, focusing on strengthening teachers’ capacity in artificial intelligence (AI), digital safety, and emerging technologies.

According to the agreement, the initiative prioritises three areas - nationwide teacher capacity building through hands-on AI training, strengthening ICT infrastructure including secure communication systems, data automation frameworks and cloud ecosystem assessment in HISAN member institutions, and curriculum standardisation incorporating prompt engineering, AI-based content development, digital safety and academic integrity.

CAN Federation will mobilise its provincial and district chapters for implementation, while HISAN will coordinate among member colleges and manage training centres, including physical infrastructure, computer labs and internet facilities, read the statement.

The concept and architecture of the ‘AI for Educators’ framework have been developed by Chiranjibi Adhikari, Acting President of CAN Federation.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Adhikari said digital transformation begins in classrooms through teacher training in modern skills such as AI, data science and digital security.

Yuvaraj Sharma, HISAN president, said the partnership would help build a digital ecosystem to enable students and teachers to compete in global markets.

The MoU was signed by Adhikari and Sharma in the presence of officials, including CAN Federation General Secretary Chandra Bilas Bhurtel and HISAN representatives.

Both organisations stated that implementation will begin in the upcoming phase with provincial coordination and gradual expansion of training activities across member institutions nationwide in Nepal under an agreed framework of collaboration as per the joint agreement plan.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 20 June 2026.   

Pak Embasy awards winners of essay, speech competition

Kathmandu, May 19

The Embassy of Pakistan in Kathmandu organised award ceremonies, in Kathmandu on Tuesday, for the 13^th Annual Ambassador of Pakistan Essay Writing Competition and the 9^th Annual Ambassador of Pakistan Speech Competition 2026.

The essay competition was conducted on 'Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah Mainstreaming the Demand for Pakistan through Constitutional Means”. Pratik Pokhrel from Viswa Niketan Secondary School secured first position. Dakshesh Ghimire from Chand Bagh School secured second position, while Nitin Thapa from Pranjali World School stood third.

The winners received certificates, cash prizes and special prizes. The essay competition was organised to commorate 150^th birth anniversary of Jinnah, the Embassy informed in a statement.

Likewise, the speech competition focused on the topic 'Will AI Engulf Libraries?'. Vishwakala Nepal from Reliance College secured first position in the competition while Tshring Tamang from National Law College stood second and Bipyum Chaulagain from St. Xavier College secured third position. Participants received certificates and prizes.

The embassy said that more than 50 students from higher secondary school to university level participated in the competitions. Competitors delivered speeches and submitted essays before a panel of judges.

Addressing the programme, Pakistan's Ambassador to Nepal Abrar H. Hashmi said the competitions aimed to encourage constitutional understanding, academic participation and engagement among Nepali students.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 20 May 2026.

World Bank interested to expand investment in education

Kathmandu, May 14

The World Bank has expressed interest in increasing investment in Nepal’s education sector.

During a courtesy call with Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sasmit Pokharel at his office on Thursday, the World Bank’s Country Director for Nepal, David Sislen conveyed the institution’s desire to expand its investment in Nepal’s education sector.

The meeting included detailed discussions on education sector reform, expansion of infrastructure, and the development of a technology-friendly education system, informed the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST).

During the discussions, the World Bank said that it was interested in further investment and cooperation in Nepal’s education sector, particularly in the development of schools and educational infrastructure. According to the Ministry, positive discussions were also held on making partnerships more effective in order to support long-term reforms and expand access to quality education.

On the occasion, Minister Pokharel briefed the delegation on the MoEST's current priorities, and said that the government was advancing educational infrastructure development, strengthening foundational learning, and expanding digitalisation and technology in education as key agendas.

“Building a quality, inclusive and technology-friendly education system is the primary objective of the government. Cooperation with development partner organisations will be further strengthened,” said Minister Pokharel

The meeting also discussed expanding access to digital education, improving learning outcomes, and modernising the education system in line with contemporary needs.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 15 May 2026.           

A Master's degree course launched with classes in mountains, hills, Tarai

Kathmandu, May 9

Nepal Communiversity, in partnership with Kathmandu University (KU), has launched a Master’s in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MSIE) programme aimed at integrating community-based learning into higher education.

The programme was officially launched at a programme attended by educators, entrepreneurs, media representatives, students and corporate professionals in Lalitpur on Friday.

The MSIE programme is scheduled to begin in October 2026 with an intake of 30 students from interdisciplinary academic backgrounds.

According to the organisers, the course is based on 'community-as-curriculum' and experiential learning models, under which students will engage directly with communities across Nepal’s Himalayan, hilly and Tarai regions.

The curriculum has been divided into three trimesters to be conducted in Mustang, Chitlang and Janakpur, followed by a final capstone semester in Kathmandu. During each trimester, students will participate in community-based projects in coordination with local residents. The programme combines entrepreneurship, social sciences and technology with a focus on wellbeing and community engagement.

Speaking at the launch event, President of Nepal Communiversity Narottam Aryal said the programme aims to develop education that is locally grounded while remaining globally relevant. "The institution seeks to prepare individuals who understand their communities, develop practical skills and adopt entrepreneurial approaches," he said.

Dr. Uttam Babu Shrestha, Founding Director of the Global Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies (GIIS), said the programme places emphasis on communities, nature and villages at a time when societies are increasingly shaped by technology and urbanisation. He urged students to balance entrepreneurship with ethical responsibility.

Dean of the Kathmandu University School of Arts, Prof. Dr. Uddab Pyakurel, said the collaboration would help students identify opportunities within Nepal and address practical challenges through community-oriented solutions.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 10 May 2026.           

NRNA, ECAN collaborate to reform abroad studies process

Kathmandu, Apr. 7

The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) and the Educational Consultancy Association of Nepal (ECAN) have agreed to make the process for abroad study safer, more managed and outcome-oriented through a collaboration between the two organisations.

At an introductory meeting held in Kathmandu on Sunday, leaders from both organisations agreed to lay the groundwork for long-term cooperation, placing student welfare at the centre. The meeting was attended by NRNA President Dr. Hemraj Sharma, ECAN President Laxman Poudel (Andrew), and other officials.

According to a statement issued by the NRNA, discussions were focused on making pre-departure orientation (PDO) more effective, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for students, and improving the quality of counselling services.

Both sides also discussed jointly developing a ‘Nepali Career Portal’ to create an integrated information system on post-study employment and career opportunities.

Likewise, they also agreed to conduct targeted training programmes to enhance the capacity of counsellors, test student support systems through pilot projects, and undertake skill mapping based on different countries and regions.

"Special programmes focusing on mental health and psychosocial awareness will also be prioritised," read the statement.

The meeting further agreed to jointly advocate with relevant authorities for policy reforms in areas such as health insurance, dissemination of scholarship information, and student tax management. Preparations are also underway to sign a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the near future.

The meeting stressed that institutional collaboration is essential to make the sector more organised and credible.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 8 April 2026.      

Aayansh comes up with 'Andhyarobhitra Ujjyaalo'

Kathmandu, Feb. 22

Aayansh Gyawali, 12, has come up with a short-story collection, Andhyarobhitra Ujjyaalo.

The book includes 10 stories of various themes such as light of knowledge, friendship, the internet, technology, earthquake and dowry. They are titled as 'Andhyarobhitra Ujjyalo, Bishtulya Mitrata, Himali gaunma Internet, Lapsiko Rukh, Doctor Arya Sharma, Mitratako Dori, Chandrayani ko Ke Galti Thiyo?, Dron Udaune Sapana, Bhukampako Trasdi, and Daijo Biruddha ko Aawaz.

The book was launched recently in Kathmandu during the Second Prarambha Festival–2082, organised by Prarambha World School/College. Inspector General of the Armed Police Force Raju Aryal launched the book on the occasion.

Hailing from Baletaksar of Gulmi, Aayansh is a student of Grade 8 in Prarambha World School in Tarkeshwor. The book is published by his parents, Kamal Prasad Gyawali and Bindu Pokharel, and Rabindra Manandhar has drawn the sketches for the stories.

The author said that he had a thrust in writing stories and poems since his early childhood and would continue with it in the days to come.

According to the school, the book launch aimed to encourage student creativity and literary engagement. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 23 February 2026.     

Pilot pen outlet launched in Pokhara

Kathmandu, Feb. 19

Fair Trade Corporation has launched an official outlet of Pilot pen brand in Pokhara. The outlet was inaugurated at the Courtyard Building in Nadipur-3, Pokhara on Saturday at a programme.

The showroom was jointly inaugurated on behalf of the company by Japanese nationals Maso Naka and Tamayuki Kawanā. The inauguration ceremony was also attended by well-known comedian Sandeep Chhetri.

The company has been selling and distributing Pilot pens in Nepal for the past 42 years. According to company director Meen Agrawal, the showroom offers a wide range of pens priced from Rs. 10 to Rs. 100,000.

She informed that the outlet features Pilot brand ball pens, gel pens, and fountain pens, as well as highlighters, markers, pencils, erasers, and erasable pens. To attract customers, the company has announced a 10 per cent discount on all products and a special 5 per cent discount for students for up to one year.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 20 February 2026.     

Robotronics Summit 2026 held in Kathmandui

Kathmandu, Feb. 19

Softwarica College of IT and E‑Commerce hosted the ‘Robotronics Summit 2026’ in collaboration with Robotica Institute and the International Robotic College, USA, aiming to connect Nepal’s robotics and automation potential to the global stage.

The summit, held in Kathmandu, featured IT exhibitions and interactive sessions, drawing participation from more than 200 students, IT entrepreneurs, academics and industry representatives, read a statement published by the organisers.

Bigyan Shrestha, Chairperson of Soft-ed Group, said the event conveyed a message that Nepal is preparing to compete in the global robotics arena. He stressed that the education system must be updated in line with rapid technological change, adding that Nepal’s future economic prospects would largely depend on digital transformation and innovation in the IT sector.

Rajendra Malla, former President of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the importance of the 'learn and earn' concept and called for practical, industry-oriented IT education.

According to him, robotics would play a decisive role in agricultural modernisation, infrastructure development and economic growth.

Chiranjibi Adhikari, Senior Vice-President of the Computer Association of Nepal Federation, said the organisation remained committed to strengthening Nepal’s technology sector and pledged support and guidance for young people seeking to establish start-ups and IT companies.

Yudhishthir Gauli, President of International Robotics Inc., shared his experience in Germany and the United States, stating that modern curricula could help bridge the gap between education and industry. He also expressed commitment to facilitating international placements and opportunities for outstanding students.

Participants said the summit demonstrated that robotics and automation could serve not only as technological tools but also as strategic drivers of economic transformation. The use of robotics is increasing in smart agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, infrastructure and AI-based services.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 20 February 2026.     

Fordays Nepal launches training for workers

Kathmandu, Feb. 18

Fordays Nepal Pvt. Ltd. has been launched in Kathmandu on Wednesday with the objective of providing specialised, field-based training to Nepali nationals preparing to work in Japan under structured labour programmes.

The company said that it is the first company in Nepal established with the specific aim of developing skilled and competent workers domestically before their deployment to Japan.

"The company will provide training under Japan’s Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP) and Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) scheme," Authorised Representative of Fordays in Nepal Prem Katuwal said at a programme organised to inaugurate the company formally.

The training will focus on three sectors- food service, fine dining, and elderly care. According to Katuwal, the initiative seeks to enhance workers’ technical competence and workplace readiness, thereby reducing the difficulties Nepali workers often face after arriving in Japan.

The training is designed as a 130-hour field-based programme and will be offered to candidates who have already passed the Japanese language examination, succeeded in employment interviews with recruiting companies, and obtained the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from Japanese immigration authorities.

Fordays Nepal aims to train 300 individuals annually in each sector, with a total annual target of 900 trainees.

Company said Nepali workers in these sectors are often required to undergo additional training in Japan before starting work.

According to Katuwal, by providing practical training in Nepal, including orientation on workplace practices, language use, and living conditions, the programme intends to help workers transition more smoothly into employment. The training will be delivered by Japanese instructors deputed from Japan.

The company also noted that many Nepali students travel to Japan on student visas after completing basic language requirements, often investing significant sums but lacking practical job skills. Fordays stated that its programme is intended to address this gap by focusing on employment-oriented training.

Speaking at the programme, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Dr. Dipak Kafle, lauded the establishment of the company and said that there should more efforts in sending skilled workers to Japan so that the both the individual and the country could be benefitted.

A delegation from Fordays Co. Ltd., Japan, including its chief executive, attended the inaugural programme. They appreciated the infrastructure, amenities and equipment managed to train the students in a real-life scenario. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 19 February 2026.     

Industry-Academia-Govt framework proposed

Kathmandu, Feb. 8

Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) and the University of Nepal (UNepal) proposed the government to form Industry-Academia-Government (IAG) Framework, a permanent structure to create a conducive business environment.

At a high-level strategic consultative meeting today at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM), Singha Durbar, NICCI and UNepal proposed Industry-Academia-Government (IAG) Framework, a national initiative aimed at strengthening evidence-based policymaking, industry competitiveness, and academic engagement in Nepal’s development agenda.

NICCI informed in a statement on Sunday that the meeting brought together senior government officials led by Chief Secretary Suman Raj Aryal, along with secretaries from key ministries, representatives from NICCI and the leadership of the UNepal.

Chair of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees Lal Krishna KC presented the draft IAG Framework, on the occasion. The concept proposes a structured national platform to bridge long-standing gaps between policy priorities, industry needs, and academic research.

"UNepal and NICCI are the initiators of the IAG framework and have asked the government to join hands, but it will have a larger platform of all the private sector organizations and universities and think tanks soon," read the statement.  

The proposed framework positions government as a strategic facilitator, industry as a driver of market relevance, and academia as an integrative, evidence-generating partner. The IAG model emphasizes execution-oriented collaboration, data-driven design, and long-term institutionalization rather than one-off events or short-term projects.

NICCI also informed that the meeting concluded with a shared commitment to building a sustained, institutional collaboration platform that aligns policy, industry, and knowledge systems in service of Nepal’s long-term economic transformation. 

Likewise, discussions further stressed inclusivity, alignment with national interest, and improved data integration across government, academia, and the private sector. Opportunities in energy efficiency, power trade, and emerging areas such as green hydrogen were noted as potential areas of collaboration.

 Vice chancellor Dr. Arjun Karki, Registrar Dr. Surya Raj Acharya, and representatives of University of Nepal highlighted their commitment to introducing industry-relevant academic programmes, including micro-credential initiatives, and strengthening the role of academia as an independent knowledge partner serving national priorities.

Chief Secretary Aryal linked the initiative to the government’s broader reform and re-governance efforts, encouraging stakeholders to expand the framework’s reach and impact.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 9 February 2026.  

Gorkhapatra announces scholarships

Kathmandu, Feb.  6

The Gorkhapatra Corporation (GC) has announced research scholarships for researchers working in various fields related to Gorkhapatra.

The scholarships, provided under the Gorkhapatra Academy, will be of two types,

The first type will offer an incentive research grant of Rs. 50,000 for research previously conducted on various topics related to Gorkhapatra, its co-publications, and the contributions of the GC.

To apply, a researcher must submit one hard copy and a digital copy of their research paper or thesis to the institution.

This category will include postgraduate, MPhil, or doctoral research, as well as independent research, as stated by the Gorkhapatra Academy.

The second type of scholarship requires the researcher to register a research proposal for MPhil, MPhil-PhD, or PhD at a university or affiliated campus in Nepal, and the proposal must have been approved for research.

The research must relate to the contributions made by Gorkhapatra daily, The Rising Nepal daily, monthly publications (Muna, Yuwamanch, and Madhupurak), Gorkhapatra’s multilingual content, the institution’s digital editions - gorkhapatraonline.com and risingnepaldaily.com, among others.

The research title should reflect these contributions, and the total research grant in this category will be Rs. 100,000.

The topics for research could include areas such as journalism, language, literature, culture, history, art, the economy, commerce, information and communication technology, printing technology, and the development of printing presses, all of which have been contributions made by Gorkhapatra.

The scholarship aims to establish Gorkhapatra’s connection with the academic field, ensure an independent evaluation of its activities based on its work, and document its contributions to transfer knowledge to future generations, said GC’s General Manager, Lal Bahadur Airi.

The evaluation of the submitted research papers, theses, or research proposals will be conducted by an evaluation committee formed by the Corporation, informed Director of Gorkhapatra Academy, Kedar Bhattrai.

The evaluation of both types of applications will follow the provisions of the Gorkhapatra Sansthan Research Fellowship Procedures, 2082. The application period will be 30 days.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 7 February 2026.  

Experts seek platform governance to combat misinformation

Kathmandu, Jan. 24

Experts and media stakeholders stressed on finding ways to find solutions for platform governance to combat misinformation.

Speaking at the 'Kathmandu Conference on Combating Misinformation' jointly organised by the Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (CDJMC) and Centre for Media Research (CMR) Nepal that kicked off in Kathmandu on Saturday, they said the easy access to social media and an absence of any restrictive measures have amplified the risks.

They also recommended that the government, media and civil society organisations should work to spread media and social media literacy to check misinformation. It is necessary to save people from the impact of propaganda and deep fakes.

Dr. Padma Rani, Professor at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India, said false news spreads more quickly than the truth. "Easy and low-cost access to media and simplicity in sharing it across multiple platforms have amplified the spread of misinformation, raising serious concerns about its repercussions," she said.

Research has shown that over 70 per cent of adults use the internet to search for health-related information. Dr. Rani also concluded that more than one-fifth of the YouTube videos carry misinformation, impacting millions of people across the globe.

She also informed that four types of misinformation - fictitious data, false information, false health recommendations and communal in nature targeting the minority community – were observed in India as well as in neighbouring countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Kundan Aryal, Head of CDJMC, said that the spread of misinformation and misuse of AI in creating misinformation and deep fakes should be checked with greater participation of media, education institutions and implementation of national and international codes formulated to combat misinformation.

Transparency, accessibility, regulation and multi-stakeholder participation can be a step towards finding a solution to checking misinformation, he said.

Dr. Bamdev Adhikari, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Tribhuvan University (TU), said that media manipulation of facts is not a recent phenomenon. "It has long been survived in the form of propaganda while the internet-based technology, especially social media, has amplified the phenomenon," he said, mentioning the misuse of media and agenda-setting during the elections in the United States and elsewhere.

The two-day conference is deliberating on various dimensions in misinformation cycle and ways to combat it. It features sessions on the role of media education and media in combating misinformation, interventions to combat misinformation, platform governance solutions for Nepal, and information integrity on climate change.

It also includes interactive exhibitions, student research presentations, as well as applied and theoretical research on Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, newsroom practice, fact-checking, media literacy and policy interventions applied by countries around the region.

The biennial conference on communication, journalism and media aims to promote South Asian and Nepali scholars' works in communication, journalism and media by providing an academic platform. This is the third edition in the series, earlier two were held in 2018 and 2024. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 25 January 2026. 

Madhes University begins preparations for federalism course

Kathmandu, Jan. 13

The Madhes University (MU) is set to launch a course on 'Federal Governance System'.

In an interaction on 'Developing curriculum on federal governance system' organised by the Federalism and Localization Centre (FLC) and Federalism Study Centre (FSC) of the Madhes University (MU) in Lalitpur on Tuesday, the university stressed on the need for the courses on federalism in higher education.

Discussion on the course on federalism is initiated after a decade since the country adopted the federal structure and amidst the ongoing debate whether the country should adopt two-tier structure by shedding off the provinces from the system.

Two political parties voiced their policies against the federal structure, especially the provinces in the pretext of extra financial burden.

The MU was established in September 2022 after the formulation of Madhes University Act in the same year. It is offering courses on BALLB, BPAM, BEM and MPA. The FSC was established in September 2024.

Experts suggested that the curriculum should include the basic elements of federal system, its merits and demerits in the Nepali context, divisions of power, relations among different levels of the government, administrative and fiscal federalism, and practices in other countries adopting the similar system.

Senior researcher at the Policy Research Institute Dr. Kalpana Khanal suggested that the curriculum should include provisions for real-time learning through the visit of the political and economic institutions at the different levels of the government and interactions with the people's representatives and bureaucrats.

She said that although people have an impression that the provinces have caused extra financial burden, it actually has reduced the cost following the scrapping of the district and regional-level administrative structures.

Likewise, Mayor of Hetaunda Sub-Metropolitan City Mina Kumari Lama said that the planned course should be able to create human resources that are capable to fulfill the need of the subnational governments in different areas.

Stating that the local bodies need more competent leaders and bureaucrats, she appreciated the attention of the MU to the critical issue like the federal governance system.

Prem Narayan Aryal, former VC of the Pokhara University, suggested to begin with a chapter of a portion of content at the Bachelor's level and a subject at the Master's degree.

Dr. Tula Narayan Shah, Executive Director of Nepal Madhes Foundation, suggested to bridge the gap among the governments and pay attention to the development challenges.

Skills like negotiations, conflict management, information system, leadership, sustainable development and climate change, inter-governmental relations and cooperation are recommended in the course of study.

The course should have a clear focus on one of the various aspects of federalism – such as fiscal, administrative, resource management and political. Proper mix of practical and philosophical elements should be included in the curricula, academicians and experts suggested.

Chairperson of the FLC Dr. Khim Lal Devkota, who also chairs the FSC at the MU, said that the university aims at offering the course not only to meet the academic need but also market demand.

"Alongside the full-fledged degree courses on federalism, we also aim to develop short-term courses to facilitate those who have interest and need to have the knowledge on the subject," he said.

Vice-Chancellor of the MU, Prof. Dr. Deepak Bahadur Shakya, said that the university is planning to introduce subjects in new areas that are the need of the society.

Currently, the Tribhuvan University is offering a subject on federalism in Bachelor's degree while the Kathmandu University has specialisation option in federalism and local governance under the Masters in Public Policy and Management course. Likewise, the Staff College also runs training under its Centre for Federalism. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 14 January 2026. 

Gorkhapatra Coop honours SEE achievers

 Kathmandu, Dec. 27

The 19^th Annual General Meeting of the Gorkhapatra Employees Multipurpose Cooperative Limited was held here on Saturday. The programme was inaugurated by the Managing Director of Gorkhapatra Corporation, Lal Bahadur Airi.

Speaking at the event, Airi said that the main objective of the cooperative is the welfare of its share members and maintaining unity through cooperation. Noting that the cooperative has been providing good support to Gorkhapatra employees, he urged all staff members to remain united.

Seven students—children of employees—who achieved outstanding results in the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) 2081 were honoured on the occasion.  

Those recognised were Isha Baral (GPA 3.96), Kritisma Sapkota (GPA 3.91), Pratik Ghimire (GPA 3.87), Samriddha Nyaupane (GPA 3.86), Prapti Paudel (GPA 3.86), Bidushi Khanal (GPA 3.84), and Sadiksha Sapkota (GPA 3.54). Each of them was honoured with a certificate and a cash award of Rs. 3,500.

According to Cooperative President Pushpa Raj Joshi, the cooperative recorded a profit of Rs. 184,379 in the Fiscal Year 2024/25, compared to a profit of Rs. 175,343 in the previous year.

He further stated that by the end of FY 2024/25, deposits amounting to Rs. 16.39 had been collected from members, while loans worth Rs. 15.72 had been disbursed.

Cooperative Treasurer Maya Acharya informed that the organisation has been providing emergency loans amounting to Rs. 290,000 to its members. The cooperative currently has 350 members.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 December 2025.

Minister Kharel stresses on quality education

Kathmandu, Dec. 11

Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel said that all stakeholders must be serious about ensuring quality education for every child.

“There is nothing greater in this world than education as it is the light that dispels darkness. Let us all wish that the children who are still deprived of education today can go to school and study well,” he said while inaugurating Kitab Jatra (a book fair) in Kathmandu on Thursday.

According to him, everyone’s access to education must be expanded to build an educated Nepal.

Minister Kharel mentioned that the government is committed to holding the elections within the stipulated time and is working to maintain good governance and control corruption in line with the spirit of the Gen-Z movement.

“We have joined the government at a sensitive time. The responsibility to lead the nation along a path of transformation rests on all our shoulders, so let us all work together to achieve this,” he said.

Director of Kitab Jatra, Rishi Raj Adhikari, said that the event has been organised to develop a reading culture and raise public awareness about education. According to the organisers, the two-day event includes a book exhibition as well as various academic sessions.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 12 December 2025.