AFP journalist Ojha to receive ADBI Developing Asia Journalism Award
KATHMANDU: Anup Ojha, a journalist with Agence France‑Presse (AFP), is to receive the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) Developing Asia Journalism Awards (DAJA) 2026.
The ADBI, an affiliate of the Asian Development Bank, said it will present Ojha with a prize of $2,000 for a news story on the use of artificial intelligence in early warning systems for disasters, titled 'Landslide‑prone Nepal Tests AI‑powered Warning System'. The institute said the prize recognises reporting on innovations in disaster preparedness.
Five recipients were chosen from 79 entrants representing 17 countries, the ADBI said. A jury of researchers and journalists evaluated the submissions.
Ojha was selected for his coverage of a landslide early warning system developed in Nepal by Professor Antoinette of the University of Melbourne, with collaborators from Nepal, the United Kingdom and Italy. The system uses rainfall and terrain data and involves professors from Tribhuvan University; Ojha’s reporting noted that residents in the north‑western region contributed data to the project.
He received the news about his selection on Guru Purnima and said he 'felt deeply honoured', dedicating the award to his teachers, mentors, friends and well‑wishers.
Ojha has been a long‑time reporter for The Kathmandu Post and has worked for AFP for several years. A native of Barlachi in Vyas Municipality‑8, Tanahun district, he specialises in feature and multimedia reporting and is also active in singing, acting and music.
