Day: June 30, 2024

Kathmandu: Stakeholders concerned have advised journalists to accurately use digital platforms, acknowledging their unavoidable influence in the information ecosystem. Media trainer and senior journalist Prof. Dr. Ramkrishna Regmi said the growing influence of digital platforms in journalism has further narrowed this field, especially mass media."Newsrooms are at unease because of the flow of information, misinformation and disinformation on social sites." He was speaking at a program organized here recently by the Working Women Journalists (WWJ), an organization of women journalists working in different forms of media in the country. Means of mass communication are changing and we have no way than to accept this development and tackle it consciously. Amidst increasing occupancy of social sites in the information ecosystem, journalists should build awareness about proper handling of the social sites. They should learn how to react and respond to social media contents, and how to use them correctly in journ alism, he added. "Fact-checking is necessary when relying on any information from social sites, as they offer a convenient space for the flow of information and user-generated content," he stressed. According to Regmi, many things have changed in the information ecosystem: length, design, presentation, construction, access, and so on. With changing times and advanced IT innovations, the information consumers' community has turned smart, and they aspire to have access to information at the tip of their fingers on a single device. In his assessment, social sites are incredibly attractive to the public for information as well as for daily dose of entertainment. The professor stressed that however, amidst these changing contexts, it is the duty and responsibility of journalists to advocate for social transformation in society while tackling technology-induced challenges. They are expected to produce media content capable of addressing the roots of social, economic, cultural, and gender-based discriminations, coupled with structural disparities and stereotypical attitude and mindsets, and bring a balance to the society. Senior journalist Nirmala Sharma said journalists should be aware of the nature of information and news supplied through social sites, and they have to develop skills to filter out the right information and news content amidst the 'flood' of contents on social networking sites. Defining social sites as sources of news, she insisted on the need of filtering out accurate information before translating them into the journalistic writing. "Authenticity and fact-checking must be ensured in such news contents." Technology: a double-edged sword Sharing about the possible uses of social sites and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for journalistic purposes, media researcher Ujjwal Acharya said, "Technology is always a double-edged sword, and its conscientious use is warranted for journalists." His presentation focused on how journalists can use social networking sites and AI accurately to enhance their profe ssional skills and performance. As he said, the digital platform provides journalists with space to engage with the audience and readers, keep them updated with real-time news, and access a broader audience reach. Besides, it serves as a source of breaking news and trends and helps in building a professional profile, he added. However, balancing human judgment with AI capabilities, dealing with misinformation and manipulation, managing online harassment and trolling, balancing speed and accuracy, avoiding spamming, and building relationships are its challenges. Ethical considerations are vital when using social sites and AI for journalism. As he pointed out, maintaining journalistic integrity, respecting privacy and consent, avoiding sensationalism, ensuring transparency with the audience, avoiding biases in AI algorithms, and ensuring data security are points to be noted while using social sites and AI as supporting tools in practicing journalism. He added that even AI contents can be biased as they are fed with contents and such possibility must be kept in mind while using it. A section of the participants was concerned about the rising encroachment of social networking sites on journalism. Referring to their over two decades of journalism practice, they mentioned that their generation was allowed to enter this field only after building a foundation with the required training. They were mandated to dedicate time to learning reporting skills and generating news content. "Now things are different; media is smart, and it has smart users who desire information at their fingertips. Now anyone can play a role in media at any time through multiple channels," they bemoaned. Prior to this, speaking at the inaugural session of the event chaired by WWJ Acting President Sangita Lama, Chief Guest Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Indira Rana, urged journalists to focus on their professional performance and to ensure that the contents of journalism are untouched by fake news, misinformation, political fa voritism, and prejudices. Terming journalists as fighters for democracy, she urged journalists to realize the implications of IT and the growing space of digital platforms and to make concise use of this situation. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Two person were killed and one was injured in a road accident in Companiganj of the district today. The deceased were identified as Smrity Akhter, 25, wife of Delwar Hossain and their seven-year-old son Abdullah, a resident of Kamargaon village of Narsingdi district. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Companyganj Police Station Golam Dastgir confirmed it. He said the accident occurred when a speedy truck ran over the auto rickshaw this evening in Khagail area of Sylhet leaving Smrity Akhter and her son Abdullah dead on the spot and Delwar Hossain injured critically. Police seized the truck and auto-rickshaw. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury adjourned the House at 1.52 pm today. The House proceedings will resume at 5.30pm on July 1. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA: Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations began across the country, except Sylhet Board, today. On the first day, Bangla First Paper examination was held in eight general education boards. A total of 923,719 examinees took part in the examinations out of total 9,33,689 eligible examinees at 1472 centers across the country apart from Sylhet Board. A total of 9970 examinees were absent on the first day while 20 others have been expelled for using unfair means. The rate of absence is 1.07 percent. One invigilator has also been expelled for using unfair means in the examination. Dhaka Education Board Chairman and Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee President Tapan Kumar Sarkar told BSS that every year a portion of students remain absent in examination due to different reasons. In the last year, one percent examinees remained absent. On the first day, heavy early morning rains under the influence of monsoon caused significant hardships for examinees in different places of the country including Dhaka and Chattogram this morning. The downpour led to a thin presence of public transport on the streets, making it particularly difficult for examinees and their guardians to reach their destinations. Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee has instructed to enhance time in the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations in view of inclement weather. He said many examinees today faced problems due to rain and traffic congestion. So, instructions have been given to enhance time in examinations considering the sufferings of examinees due to inclement weather, he added. Dhaka Education Board also issued an urgent notification giving the instruction of enhancing time in the examinations. It said if required main entrance of the examination centers will have to be opened before specified time to allow the examinees to enter the centers during the rainy days. In case of delay -- of half an hour or one hour in beginning examination in any center -- this time sho uld be adjusted to end the examination, the notification added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

MANIKGANJ: Bangladesh Krishak League, an associate body of the ruling Awami League (AL), today organised a discussion meeting and tree plantation programme in the district under the auspices of its 52nd founding anniversary. Bangladesh Krishak League Central Committee President Samir Chandra inaugurated the programme as the chief guest. Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had founded Bangladesh Krishak League on April 19 in 1972 to protect the rights of farmers and develop the country's agriculture sector. Manikganj district AL President and also the Chairman of Manikganj district Council Freedom Fighter Advocate Golam Mohiuddin, Bangladesh Krishak League Central Committee General Secretary (in charge) Krishibid Bishwanath Sarker Bitu, District AL Joint Secretary AFM Sultanul Azam Khan Apel, Organizing Secretary and also the Chairman of Manikganj Sadar Upazila Sudeb Kumar Saha, Krishak League Manikganj District President Md. Samapto Hossain, its General Secretary Bulbul Ahmed and leaders and activists of Awami League and its front organisations were present, among others, on the occasion. As part of the programme, a total of 1,000 fruit, wood and medicinal saplings were planted by the side of Dhaka-Manikganj regional highways in the Bautha area of the district. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma has said that cinema was an effective medium to spread the country's fame. Addressing a programme organized to mark the 24th anniversary of the Film Development Board on Sunday, Minister Sharma described the film as a strong medium for mass media. She argued that movie is not only for giving entertainment but also an effective medium for disseminating messages. On the occasion, Minister Sharma said that the government has advanced the steps to amend the Motion Picture Act. Minister Sharma suggested that the Board should embrace appropriate policy while reviewing its performance. Secretary at the Ministry Ramkrishna Subedi said the film was the mirror of life, literary and society. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Speakers at a discussion here emphasized the need for forging greater unity and solidarity among the pro-liberation forces to foil all the 'conspiracies and anti-state activities' of the anti-liberation forces and uphold the spirit of the Liberation War. They drew the attention of the government to publish the lists of all the war criminals, including Razakars, who worked as collaborators of the then Pakistani armed forces during the Liberation War in 1971. They also paid tribute to the memories of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and recalled his immense contributions to achieving the country's independence. The speakers also demanded the immediate trial of all the war criminals, including Razakars and Al-Badrs. Ekattorer Gatak Dalal Nirmul Committee (EGDNC) Netrakona district unit organized the meeting on 'Bangabandhu's Ideology and Trial of War Criminals of 71' at Netrakona Sadar upazila Muktizoddha complex yesterday, marking the 30th death anniversary of Shaheed Janoni Jahanara I mam. An executive member of the Netrakona district Awami League and advisor of the EGDNC Netrakona district unit, Abul Monsur Ahmed, addressed the meeting as the chief guest, and the president of the EGDNC Netrakona district unit, Kashob Ranjan Sarker, was in the chair. The meeting was conducted by the General Secretary of the EGDNC Netrakona district unit, Shahinuddin Ahmed. It was addressed, among others, by valiant freedom fighter and former deputy commander of district Muktizoddha Sangsad Abdul Motin, Executive Committee member of district Awami League and president of Bir Muktizoddha Santan Command, Netrakona district unit Omar Faruk, valiant freedom fighter Aiyub Ali, and valiant freedom fighter Sazzadur Rahman. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: CPN (UML) Chairperson and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said entrepreneurship is urgency in Nepal. At a programme organized by his party's Department of Agriculture and Livestock Development on Sunday, party Chairperson Oli reiterated that entrepreneurship was needed in the country for making economy dynamic. Stating that modernization in agriculture could generate many jobs, Oli argued that industries based on agriculture could take the form of export-oriented industries. Policy level intervention for modernization of agriculture is another essential, he viewed, voicing his concern over the deteriorating productivity of soil and called for restoring soil health. On the occasion, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Jwala Kumari Shah, called for a new agriculture related act to develop agriculture. Former Minister for Finance Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada viewed that agriculture sector should be protected and promoted by the State. Source: National News Agency Nepal

DHAKA: Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen today underlined the need for seamless cooperation between the Bangladesh Armed Forces and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in achieving strategic national objectives. He also emphasized the pivotal role of diplomacy in maintaining global peace and security. He made the remarks while a distinguished delegation of participants of the Armed Forces War Course 2024 (AFWC 2024) from the National Defence College (NDC) visited the foreign ministry here, a foreign ministry's press release said. Masud lauded the commitment of the Armed Forces to excellence in professional education and extended his appreciation for their dedication to the nation. The visit marked a significant step towards fostering deeper understanding and collaboration between the realms of diplomacy and national security. Additional Foreign Secretary (Bilateral) and Inspector General of Missions Dr Md. Nazrul Islam delivered a keynote presentation marking the visit. Islam delved into the intricate facet s of diplomacy and security, shedding light on the dynamic interplay between these critical domains. His keynote presentation resonated with the audience, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing contemporary security challenges while preserving diplomatic endeavors. Lt Col Md Mamun Muntasir Haque, who led the AFWC 2024 delegation, commended the foreign ministry's dedication to promoting greater understanding and cooperation between military and diplomatic circles. The visit concluded with a vibrant exchange of ideas in the questions and answers session, underlining the mutual commitment to fostering enduring ties between the Armed Forces War Course participants and the foreign ministry. The event served as a testament to the shared vision of safeguarding national security and interests through a harmonious integration of diplomatic and security efforts, said the release. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: The RSS chapter of FNJ has felicitated the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) graduates amidst a programme on Sunday. The SEE graduates are the children of the RSS employees and journalists. They were felicitated by RSS Executive Chairman Dharmendra Jha and General Manager Siddha Raj Rai. Those honored on the occasion were Shambhavi Adhikari, daughter of chief editor, Dilip Adhikari; Adhyayan Neupane, son of deputy chief reporter Narayan Neupane; Nimta Bhattarai, daughter of associate editor Pabitra Guragain; Pahal Adhikari, son of sub administrator Sashi Adhikari; and Garima Kumari BK, daughter of sub reporter Raju Bishwokarma. On the occasion, Chairman Jha noted that he was impressed by the learning and understanding of the SEE graduates. "I believe the honoured SEE graduates became able to stand at this stage because of the untiring role their parents had. The journalism profession their parent had had a positive impact on them," he argued. General Manager Siddha Raj Rai expressed happine ss that RSS staffs and journalist had created a favourable atmosphere for their children despite journalistic workloads. FNJ Associate Province Chair Balkrishna Adhikari urged the new generation to utilize IT for educational betterment. Also speaking on the occasion, RSS chapter Chair Pabitra Guragain said felicitation to SEE graduated children of RSS employees was a continuation of good practice which helps foster amicable atmosphere in the office and inspires young minds. RSS chapter member Krishna Prasad Sapkota also viewed the honour to SEE graduates is being an integral part of RSS culture in recent decade. Even a dai chiura event was held on the occasion. Source: National News Agency Nepal

DHAKA: Quazi Abu Mahmud Faisal, a first secretary (taxes) of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), has been transferred to Taxes Zone, Bogura. To this end, NBR today issued an order. As per the order, Faisal has been transferred to Inspector Range-1 of the BoguraTax Region. Md Moniruzzaman, the additional tax commissioner, has been appointed in his place. Last Thursday, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) presented details of the illegal wealth acquisition of Quazi Abu Mahmud Faisal in the Dhaka court. Upon a petition of ACC, Dhaka court ordered the confiscation of two five-katha plots in Dhaka and Narayanganj under Faisal and his wife's names, a flat in Ramna under his father-in-law's name, and a 10-katha plot in Khilgaon under his mother-in-law's name. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Para swimmer Bhim Bahadur Kumal is going to compete in the Paris 2020 Paralympics, representing Nepal. More than 4,000 athletes from around the world are competing in 549 medal events that is taking place in Paris, France from August 28 to September, according to the organizer. National Para Swimming Association Nepal's Chairperson Saroj Shrestha shared that Bhim's participation in the Paralympics was ensured after he was allocated slots via bipartite. Bhim, who holds the national record of 35.01 seconds in free style, will be competing in the same category in the Paris' event. Bhim, 41, is a local resident of Nareshwor Benikhola in Gorkha district. He has competed in four important international competitions in his career, including the World Para Swimming Competition held in London in 2019. He is currently undergoing training at the Kalopul based West Venue. Bhim expressed his happiness for his selection for the Paris Paralympics. He confided that he had worked very hard to ensure he is sel ected for this game. Along with him, two more athletes are going to participate in the event. They were Palesha Govardan and Bharat Singh Mahata of taekwondo. Source: National News Agency Nepal