PASSING THE BATON: Journalists defy prohibtory orders at Bhotahity on Wednesday for pro-democracy rally. Thirty journalists, including Kanak Mani Dixit co-publisher of Himalmedia (pictured) were detained briefly. Pic: NEPALNEWS.COM

ALL TOGETHER: French Ambassador Michel Jolivet with the families of the Nepali victims of the 20 October Mt Kang Guru avalanche in which eight Nepalis and seven French climbers died. Each family got Rs 22,000, the third such payment since the tragedy. Pic: MIN BAJRACHARYA

SMOKE SCREEN: The jet carrying Admiral William Fallon makes an approach into Kathmandu airport on Wednesday. The head of the US Pacific Command was supposed to arrive a day earlier but his plane couldn't land in Kathmandu because of poor visibility caused by smog. Pic: DAMBER K SHRESTHA

VOW\'S WOWS: Winners of VOW magazine\'s Top 10 College Women contest pose with their prizes at Hotel Radission on Tuesday. Pic: KIRAN PANDAY

SAVE THE WETLANDS: Participants of the Taudaha Jamboree ride alongside Taudaha Lake to mark World Wetlands Day on Wednesday. Pic: KIRAN PANDAY