The tremendous development and growth of the Internet and related technology has impacted many aspects of human life. Journalism is not alien to the impact and the growing popularity of the Internet-based media threatening the printing technology. It has also empowered the individuals to play a role of communicator. The growing impact of the Internet technology has also led governments to try curb the rights of citizens. Nepal has also seen big leap in use of Internet-based media, and there are attempts to curb the freedom on the Internet. This paper argues, with examples from Finland and USA, that the state should play a role of facilitator for the growth of the Internet-based media, which contains within itself the power to bring positive changes in our society. To play such role and ensure the best positive use of the Internet and related technology for communication, the paper argues that Nepal needs to formulate online media policy.

A free press with unhindered power to inform people is a cornerstone for functioning democracy. But, when media engages in seeking profits and tampering its content for its benefit to manufacture public support, so who should watch the watchdog? This paper assesses the impact of media ownership pattern specially the corporate news influences in the flow of news content and brings into understanding the ways such influences can be mitigated to safeguard the public interest in the context of Nepal.

Urbanization pattern does not seem geographically uniform across Nepal. Natural expansion of urban areas due to population growth, planned growth of cities through infrastructural development and reclassification of urban centers has expanded the urban areas in Nepal. Nepal‟s urban centers have been facing several socio-economic and infrastructural problems due to lack of policy measures and institutional harmonization. In absence of a strong policy for the regulation and management of rapidly growing, uncontrolled and haphazard urban development has created numerous problems, including deficiencies in basic urban services, encroachment of public lands, slums and sprawling settlement. This paper tracks the patterns and trends of urbanization in Nepal and identifies some key issues related to unplanned urbanization. The paper also highlights mandates to local government in urban management. Some immediate actionable opportunities to contribute towards proper urban planning and governance are recommended. This research was carried out through in-depth literature review, expert consultation and key informant surveys. The paper recommends institutional cooperation among various actors through effective communication along with the multiple use of urban land, an inclusive urban planning policy, and timely investment in urban infrastructures. Furthermore a decentralized policy synchronizing the administrative and policy duties among the central and local level government authorities seems essential. Addressing urban poverty mainly around the slums through informal economy is needed.