National Talent Award

KATHMANDU: Vice-chairman of the Council of Ministers, Kirti Nidhi Bista, on Wednesday gave away the National Talent Award to Dr Tara Na-th Sharma, Hari Prasad Rimal, Dr Ra-ja Ram Subedi and Rajesh Awale for their contribution in literature, theatre, culture, and art. The award carries a purse of Rs 1 lakh. — HNS

Journos stage sit-in

NEPALGUNJ: Demanding the restoration of press freedom, Nepalgunj-based journalists staged a half-an-hour-long sit-in outside the District Administration Office (DAO), Banke, on Wednesday. — HNS

Poll on newscast ban

POKHARA: Journalists of Pokhara-based FM stations will organise an audience poll in Chipledhunga Chautara on Thursday to know what the people think about curb on news broadcast. The poll is being organised to know what the people think about the ban on news broadcast through FM stations, said Gangadhar Parajuli, coordinator, Free Radio Save Movement (FRSM), Pokhara. —HNS

Free soldier: HURON

KATHMANDU: The Human Rights Organisation of Nepal has sought the release of a Royal Nepal Army man, Man Bahadur Ranabhat, whom the Maoists had abducted from Hariban market on July 3. — HNS