Author Archives: sajha_katha

Nepal’s Mach24 Orbitals joins NVIDIA Inception Program, accelerating AI-driven rocket technology

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Mach24 Orbitals, Nepal’s private space-tech startup joins the elite NVIDIA Inception Program, fusing advanced AI with space launch innovation and propelling a nation’s aspirations into orbit.

Mach24 Orbitals has been inducted into the prestigious NVIDIA Inception Program, a global initiative that accelerates the world’s most groundbreaking startups using AI to push the boundaries of science and technology.

Following its standout showcase at Startup Mahakumbh 2025 in New Delhi, where Mach24’s hybrid-rocket prototype captured the attention of leading aerospace players from across the globe, the company is now poised to harness NVIDIA’s AI prowess to accelerate its mission of developing Nepal’s first orbital-class rocket. This strategic collaboration propels Mach24 onto the global stage and positions Nepal as an emerging contender in the space-tech arena.

To understand the significance: NVIDIA is one of the world’s leading AI computing companies, renowned for its dominance in GPU technologies that power everything from cutting-edge data centers and autonomous vehicles to generative AI and space exploration. With a market capitalization surpassing $2.5 trillion and a pivotal role in driving the global AI revolution, NVIDIA is not just a tech giant, it is the backbone of modern computational innovation. Its Inception program is a highly selective platform, offering strategic support to startups that have the potential to transform entire industries.

Backed by NVIDIA’s advanced AI infrastructure and global support ecosystem, Mach24 will dramatically reduce design and testing cycles, refining rocket-engine simulations and trajectory modeling with unprecedented speed. These capabilities are critical as the company prepares for a 100 km suborbital test flight later this year and an orbital launch by 2029.

“Becoming part of NVIDIA Inception is not just a recognition of our technical vision, it’s a powerful affirmation of Nepal’s future,” said Himalaya Adhikari, Co-founder and Chief of Operations at Mach24 Orbitals. “For a Nepali startup to enter this global league is proof that we have what it takes to compete, build, and lead in the space frontier. This is a moment of national pride, and with each launch, we carry not just technology but the hopes and honor of a nation. As I often say: ‘We march forward, bearing our nation’s hope and pride on our shoulders.’”

The Honey Browser Extension Scam: An urgent wake-up call for Nepali creators on brand deal pitfalls in 2025?

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Nepali content creation is experiencing a remarkable rise, with creators gaining recognition not just locally but globally. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram have opened up new opportunities, and with this growth, brand deals and sponsorships are at an all-time high. From promoting local products to endorsing international brands, Nepali creators are carving out their space in the ever-growing digital economy. However, with this success comes the challenge of navigating partnerships responsibly, as recent global controversies, like the Honey Browser Extension Scam, reveal the risks of unchecked endorsements and poorly researched brand deals. This serves as a timely lesson for Nepali creators to be cautious as they embrace new opportunities.

The Honey Browser Extension, once promoted by hundreds of Youtube content creators as an effortless way to save money while shopping online, is now under fire for alleged unethical practices. After the takeover by PayPal in 2020, the extension is now called PayPal Honey.

It now faces accusations of misleading consumers, exploiting the affiliate marketing system, and undermining content creators who helped popularise it. Two class-action lawsuits have been filed against PayPal in the US District Court in California, alleging Honey unfairly hijacked affiliate commissions and failed to deliver on its promises to users.

Honey Logo: Photo: PayPal Honey

The controversy on the Honey Browser Extension gained a huge spark after the video of Tech creator Megalag with a thorough investigative video on the details about how Honey operates. The revelations have sparked public backlash from influencers like Linus Tech Tips (LTT) and Marques Brownlee (MKBHD), leading to a broader discussion about the ethics of digital tools like Honey.

Honey Browser Extension: A tool for effortless savings?

Honey launched with a compelling promise: to save users time and money by automatically finding and applying the best coupon codes at checkout. The way the Honey Browser Extension works is simple: install the free extension, and it will find out discounts or coupons available on the internet.

Marketed as “free money,” Honey quickly became popular with online shoppers eager to save effortlessly. Its user-friendly design and compatibility with major e-commerce sites made it a must-have tool for millions, with over 17 million users currently.

The Honey Browser Extension was not limited to consumers. Influencers across platforms, from YouTube to social media, heavily promoted Honey, showcasing its convenience and savings potential. These promotions greatly uplifted its popularity and trustworthiness, making it one of the most downloaded browser extensions.

For businesses, the Honey Browser Extension promised to reduce the number of abandoned carts, a common e-commerce problem, and increase sales. By claiming to help shoppers save money while ensuring merchants gained more purchases, Honey presented itself as a win-win solution.

However, recent revelations have exposed practices of the Honey Browser Extension that raise serious ethical and legal concerns. Investigation by Megalag shows that Honey prioritised its own profits over providing real value to users or supporting the creators who promoted it. What once appeared to be a groundbreaking tool for online shopping is now under heavy scrutiny, with critics questioning the fairness and transparency of its business practices.

How it works and manipulates the system

The Honey Browser Extension claims to help users save money by finding and applying discounts from across the internet. However, as detailed in YouTuber MegaLag’s investigation, its operations often prioritise its own financial interests over the value it delivers to users. The extension’s back-end practices reveal a pattern of exploitation, particularly within the affiliate marketing system.

Affiliate marketing rewards individuals or entities, such as influencers or websites, for driving traffic or sales to a vendor’s site. When a user clicks an affiliate link, a small file called a cookie is stored in their browser, which tracks the referral.

If the user completes a purchase, the referrer earns a commission. MegaLag explained that most affiliate marketing systems operate on last-click attribution, meaning the entity that interacts with the user just before their purchase gets credit for the sale. “Affiliate marketing is fairly straightforward,” MegaLag noted. “The influencer who shares the link gets the cookie, and if you buy, they get a commission. But Honey changes the game completely by stealing that last click.”

One major criticism of Honey Bowser Extension is its practice of replacing legitimate affiliate cookies with its own. MegaLag explained that when users click an influencer’s link, a cookie tracks the referral to ensure the creator earns a commission.

However, when the Honey Browser Extension is activated at checkout, it opens a hidden tab to make it appear as though it referred the user to the site. This allows Honey to claim the commission, even if it did not contribute to the sale. MegaLag said, “Users don’t realise it’s happening, and creators lose their rightful earnings.”

Screen Grab from Megalag’s video.

Honey also introduced a cashback program called Honey Gold to encourage users to engage with the extension. While it rewards users with points that can be redeemed for discounts or gift cards, MegaLag revealed that these rewards are minimal compared to what Honey collects in commissions.

“In one test, Honey earned $35 from a sale, and I got just 89 cents in rewards,” MegaLag said. The cashback system ensures Honey remains the last referrer, allowing it to continue claiming commissions, even if its contribution is minimal.

Additionally, Honey prioritises discounts approved by merchants, even if better deals are available elsewhere. MegaLag noted that Honey often ignores user-submitted coupon codes, further limiting its ability to provide the best savings. “Honey claims to find the best deals, but it applies what merchants want you to see,” MegaLag said. “It’s not about helping users—it’s about serving its own interests.” These practices raise serious questions about Honey’s transparency and fairness to both users and creators.

MegaLag’s investigation shows that Honey uses questionable practices to benefit itself while harming creators, consumers, and businesses. By overriding affiliate cookies and prioritising discounts that merchants approve, Honey goes against the promises it markets to users. “Consumers think they’re getting a great deal,” MegaLag explained, “but Honey is really working for itself and its merchant partners, taking money from the creators who helped make it popular.”.

Backlash from influencers and creators

The fallout from MegaLag’s video has sparked significant backlash, with influencers addressing their past sponsorships with the Honey Browser Extension. While some creators have taken responsibility, others have faced criticism for their delayed responses.

One of the most notable names is MrBeast, the world’s most popular YouTuber, with over 300 million subscribers. Fans and critics alike are calling on him and his team to explain their involvement with Honey and provide clarity on their role in promoting the extension. This controversy has highlighted the growing demand for influencers to be more transparent and cautious about the products they endorse.

Among those who have responded, Linus Tech Tips (LTT) and Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) have taken different approaches to address the issue. Linus explained that his team stopped working with Honey in 2020 after discovering its affiliate cookie practices. At the time, they were unaware of other problems, such as Honey prioritising merchant-approved discounts over better deals for users.

Marques Brownlee apologised to his audience in a video, admitting he promoted the Honey Browser Extension without fully understanding its practices. He removed affiliate links from his videos and encouraged viewers to research such tools before using them. While some fans appreciated their honesty, others criticised them for not addressing these issues sooner. This situation has emphasised the responsibility creators have when endorsing products and the impact of their choices on their audiences.

Legal actions against it

The backlash against Honey has led to two class-action lawsuits filed in January 2025, accusing PayPal and Honey Browser Extension of unfairly claiming affiliate commissions and misleading consumers. Devin Stone, a lawyer and YouTuber known as LegalEagle, is one of the plaintiffs, calling Honey’s actions deceptive. Stone stated, “Honey is not providing the benefits they say they’re providing. They’re telling retailers they were responsible for a sale when they were not.” The lawsuits seek damages and changes to Honey’s affiliate practices.

Representational image: Legal Action. Photo: Freepik

The controversy surrounding the Honey Browser Extension has had widespread consequences for consumers, creators, and businesses. Users are misled into believing they are getting the best deals, while Honey prioritises merchant-approved discounts over better ones.

Creators lose significant earnings as Honey overrides their affiliate cookies, eroding trust in the affiliate marketing system. Businesses face financial losses from unauthorised discounts, often leading to higher prices for customers. Once celebrated as a revolutionary tool, Honey now faces lawsuits and growing scrutiny over its practices.

This situation highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in digital tools, reminding consumers and creators alike to critically evaluate the platforms they use and promote. As MegaLag stated, “Honey isn’t just a broken promise; it’s a betrayal of everyone it claimed to help.”

How Nepali Creators Can Stay Safe from Similar Scams

The controversy surrounding the Honey Browser Extension serves as an important lesson for Nepali content creators navigating the growing digital economy. With the rise of affiliate marketing and brand partnerships in Nepal, creators must exercise caution by thoroughly understanding agreements, verifying company claims, and staying informed about industry practices to maintain audience trust.

Representational image: Photo: Freepik

Open discussions within creator communities and access to resources from supportive organisations can help identify and avoid unethical partnerships. Learning from global cases like the Honey Browser Extension scandal, Nepali creators can take a proactive approach to protect their content, revenue, and reputation, ensuring they make informed decisions in the rapidly changing online space.

Indian tourist arrivals triple at Palpa’s Kamakhya Dham

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Kamakhya Dham, located at Basantapur in Palpa near Butwal, has recently developed not only as a tourist destination but also as a popular wedding venue.

Under the leadership of the IME Group, the Lumbini Cable Car, the first in Lumbini Province came into operation two and a half years ago with an investment of Rs 1.5 billion involving both the company and local stakeholders. The company reports that around 400,000 tourists have used the cable car in this period, with a significant number of visitors coming from various cities in Uttar Pradesh, India, according to manager Prajwal Ghimire.

The upper station of the cable car houses the famous Shaktipeeth Kamakhya Devi Temple and the Durga Temple, where worship has reportedly been performed for nearly a century. Owing to these sacred sites, both Nepali and Indian visitors have increasingly begun choosing the area as a wedding destination.

Hindus believe that receiving blessings from Goddess Kamakhya ensures a successful married life, brings the joy of children, and helps overcome life’s obstacles. This belief has contributed to the growing number of couples choosing to marry at the temple, said chief priest Suresh Paudel.

Just two days ago, Vijay Jaiswal and Chandni Jaiswal from Uttar Pradesh, India, arrived in Basantapur with their relatives and got married there.

“Marriage is a memorable and joyous event for everyone, so we chose a new destination,” said groom Jaiswal. “Our family are devotees of Kamakhya Devi, but travelling to Guwahati in India is far, so we decided to marry at Nepal’s Kamakhya Dham instead.”

He said that Basantapur hill, located about 1,000 meters above sea level, is green, peaceful and beautiful, making their wedding experience especially delightful.

“Compared to last year, the number of couples marrying here has increased this fiscal year. This month alone, five couples are getting married,” chief priest Paudel said, adding that the first couple of the wedding season is from Uttar Pradesh.

Hari Aryal, president of the Butwal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that even if a small percentage of Uttar Pradesh’s 240 million population could be brought to Butwal each year for cable car rides and visits to the Basantapur hill station, it would positively impact Rupandehi’s economy.

“The government authorities must work with the private sector to attract Indian tourists to hill stations such as Basantapur, Nuwakot and Hill Park near Butwal,” Aryal said. “Tourism is the easiest means to revive the economy weakened after the Gen Z movement.”

The cable car connects the lower station at Bamghat in Butwal-3 with the upper station at Basantapur in Tinau Rural Municipality-3 of Palpa. The upper station, located about three kilometres away, can be reached in 12 minutes.

According to operations manager D.N. Kayastha Sainju, the proportion of Indian visitors increased from 8 per cent last fiscal year to 21 per cent this fiscal year. Nearly 100,000 Indian tourists have visited in the past two and a half years. Visitors from other countries account for less than one per cent.

Prem Shrestha, chairperson of Tinau Rural Municipality, said that Basantapur once deserted for decades has become vibrant following the operation of the cable car.

Facilities such as a zipline, sky cycling, giant swing, children’s park, viewpoint, restaurant, and seminar hall have been built in Basantapur.

The cable car offers free rides on birthdays and special discounts for groups of more than 50. A grand evening aarti is held on the first day of every month.

Manager Ghimire said that Basantapur is around 7 to 10 degrees Celsius cooler than the Tarai, making it pleasant in summer and warm in winter, attracting tourists year-round.

He said that due to religious and tourism infrastructure, favourable climate in all seasons, and a peaceful environment free from noise and pollution, Basantapur has become a preferred destination not only for Nepalis but also for tourists from Uttar Pradesh, India.

The cable car, built by Austria’s Doppelmayr Company, is 2.6 kilometres long and has 25 gondolas, capable of transporting up to 6,000 tourists daily.

The Province Tourism Development Council has listed Basantapur as a major tourist site following the operation of the cable car, according to council chief Ramu Joshi.

The Discord Revolution: Nepal’s Youth Movement Ignites Existential Crises Across Institutions

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Ah, Nepal-the land of Everest, enlightenment, and apparently, endless political entertainment. In 2025, this Himalayan haven decided to swap its serene stupas for a chaotic circus, courtesy of a Gen Z uprising that started on Discord (yes, the app meant for gamers trash-talking over Fort nite, not overthrowing governments). What began as a digital grumble against a ridiculous social communication ban has ballooned into a full-blown farce, complete with burning state and private establishments, jailbreaks (pioneered by a neo hopeful in judicial coustody) and a 73-year-old grandma-turned-interim PM voted in via emoji polls. It’s like if your group chat decided to run the country-and honestly, it might do a better job than the current jingbang. But beneath the laughs, Nepal’s in a steaming hot pot of soup, existential threats bubbling over political dinosaurs, corrupt cronies, and institutions that function about as well as a chocolate teapot. The world watches, chuckling at the spectacle, treating Nepal like the global village idiot who’s accidentally set his own house on fire while trying to light a cigarette. As of November 23, 2025, with fresh clashes in Simara-where youths lob stone bombs like confetti and cops respond with tear gas tantrums -the saga continues, proving that in Nepal, politics isn’t tragedy; it’s comedy gold with a side of tragedy.

Picture this: On September 4, 2025, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, slaps a ban on 26 social media platforms because, apparently, Reel dances are more dangerous than his government’s corruption scandals. It’s like banning forks because people are getting fat-utterly genius. Enter Discord, the irony machine: named for harmony, but in Nepal, it becomes the headquarters for harmonious havoc. Servers explode to 145,000 members, filled with memes roasting “nepo babies” like the offspring of politicos and tycoons scoring cushy gigs while average Joes queue for passports to escape this clown show. Take the 2024 wide-body aircraft fiasco: Officials skimmed millions in kickbacks, leaving Nepal Airlines grounded in debt, while viral Discord threads photoshopped leaders’ faces onto crashing planes. Stakeholders? Meet Shaswot Lamichhane, the 18-year-old Discord wizard moderating strategy sessions like a teen dungeon master; Rakshya Bam, 26, chatting up the army like she’s swiping on Tinder; Sudan Gurung of Hami Nepal, flipping from Tibet advocacy to protest catering (think water bottles and anti-corruption sandwiches); and shadowy pseudo leaders like “DiscordRebel007,” who pop up like unsolicited LinkedIn requests, dictating chants without a resume. By September 8, Maitighar Mandala turns into a mosh pit: Peaceful placards screaming “No more nepo!” morph into mayhem as cops fire live rounds, offing 22- including a kid filming his last TikTok in Nepal’s bloodiest anti-graft giggle-fest. Protesters torch gov n pvt houses like a bad barbecue, and a jailbreak frees 12,500 inmates who join the party with pilfered pitchforks. Meanwhile, “washed-out” leaders like Sher Bahadur Deuba (79, looking like he napped through the monarchy), Oli hide behind cronies implicated in scams like the fake Bhutanese refugee racket, where they sold Nepali dreams to the US for bribes and a confused PUSHchanda the miyaooist. It’s hilarious until you realize this soup’s so thick, Nepal’s youth are emigrating faster than rats from a sinking ship.

Nepal’s institutions? Think of them as a rusty bicycle held together by duct tape and prayers-wobbling toward oblivion. The bureaucracy, that partisan playground of incompetence, bungles basics like it’s an Olympic sport: Witness the 2024 сооperatives scam, where officials looted billions from poor savers, triggering rural suicides while they sipped chai in Kathmandu. Stakeholders include UML and NC-aligned desk-jockeys, whose “chronic incompetencе” means 2,000 youths bolt daily for foreign jobs, remittances keeping the economy afloat like a leaky lifeboat. The police, now under Inspector General Dan Bahadur Karki, are divided like a bad divorce: During September 8 chaos, they ditched posts faster than a bad date, letting rioters loot armories. Viral videos show cops stomping protesters’ heads while belting party anthems-because nothing says “law and order” like a political beat down. The Nepal Army, led by General Ashok Raj Sigdel, plays the ultimate fence-sitter: “Please-all” mode activated, they brokered Karki’s gig in a gunfire-laced tent meeting, but won’t touch loyalist goons with a 10-foot pole. Judiciary? A puppet show starring ex-Chief Justices: Sushila Karki, impeached in 2017 for daring to probe graft, versus Cholendra Shumsher Rana, booted in 2022 over lottery scams/family favoritism and of course Kalyan Shrestha the limelight seeker. Their evident tussles delays trials like the 60kg gold-in-e-cigarettes heist, with judges flipping like pancakes on constitutional matters, leaving provinces begging for crumbs. Courts are so confused about which constitution to defend, they might as well flip a coin-or better, consult a Discord poll. Globally, this makes Nepal the punchline: “How do you overhaul a system this broken? With a sledgehammer and a prayer wheel.”

Nepal’s 2015 constitution? It’s like smartphone from the Stone Age out dated, glitchy, and responsible for 14 governments in 17 years, each more unstable than a Jenga tower built by toddlers. a Stakeholders: President Ram Chandra Paudel, dithering like a deer in headlights over ordinances; interim PM Karki, emoji-elected in a September 9-10 Discord frenzy with 100,000 votes (because nothing says democracy like a thumbs-up emoji); and parties like NC and UML, sulking in the corner. March 2026 elections? A cosmic joke, with Karki’s crew pretending to guard the charter while army-led “people’s picnics” debate fixes around bonfires. Enter the “rogue imported narrative”: NGOs like Open Society Foundations (pumping cash since 2007) and NED smuggling in color evolution vibes, turning Hami Nepal’s chants into echoes of Bangladesh’s student shindigs -“Elite Out!” graffiti everywhere, like a bad street art festival. This nexus of youths, military, and opportunists consolidates power via kangaroo courts purging bureaucrats, making the world snicker: Nepal, where elections are as trustworthy as a politician’s promise.

Nepal’s foreign policy? It’s like a drunk tightrope walker balancing between India and China – overloaded PMs juggling diplomacy with recalled ambassadors who probably forgot their passports. Stakeholders: Karki, multitasking like a one-armed juggler; Indian and Chinese envoys whispering sweet nothings about BRI loans. Case in point: China’s Pokhara Airport, a BRI boondoggle where 2025 bribes turned it into a debt-trap ghost town, underused and overpriced like a luxury coffin. India nods approval to Karki while fortifying Lipulekh borders, youths burning Oli effigies near embassies in protest of “sellouts.” Oli’s scrapped India jaunt amid riots? Peak confusion. Imported rogue narratives-NED style destabilization kits-mimic Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, with Nepal eyeing BRICS like a kid at a candy store. Internationally, it’s meme fodder: Nepal, the ping-pong ball in Asia’s great game, bouncing hilariously toward irrelevance.

The private sector? A scared kitten in a room full of rocking chairs confused, corrupt, and crammed with cartels hiking prices like Everest treks. Stakeholders: Importers, Remittance tycoons, tourism barons and brokers knotted in political business tangles; outfits behind 2023 job scams stranding migrants like bad travel agents. September riots racked up Rs 36 billion in smashed windows and looted shops, per Transparency International’s 2024 roast (Nepal 108th, basically the dunce cap of corruption). Think some cola’s NGO tie-ups during protests or goldsmuggling e-cig empires dodging taxes via bribes. Youth boycotts like “No Buy from Nepo” target elite chains, leaving businesses hunkered like doomsday preppers. Worldwide, it’s a hoot: Nepal’s economy, where malpractice is the main export, making investors laugh all the way to safer banks.

Conclusion: From Digital Discord to National Reckoning

In the end, Discord-supposed harbinger of harmony-delivered Nepal a masterclass in discord, flipping the script on dinosaur leaders and forcing a comedic overhaul of creaky systems. From Alisha Sijapati’s tales of grassroots gaming revolutions to Morocco’s Gen Z echoes, this Himalayan hullabaloo enchants with its absurdity: A nation where teens topple tyrants via voice chats, but the soup’s so serious, it’s scalding. Bara’s petrol-bomb parties and Simara’s gas-cloud galas remind us: Nepal’s treated as the world’s laughing stock, a perpetual punchline in global headlines. Yet, beneath the satire, it’s a sobering stew-unless reformed, this circus risks becoming a tragedy. Time for Nepal to swap the clown shoes for hiking boots and climb out of this mess, or forever remain the butt of international jokes.

China launches three multifunctional satellites into space

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China launched three multifunctional satellites into space on Wednesday afternoon, according to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, the nation’s leading space contractor.

A Long March 2C carrier rocket lifted off at 12:01 pm from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region and soon transported the Shijian 30A, 30B, and 30C satellites to their preset orbit, the State-owned company said in a news release.

The satellites have been built by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, a CASC subsidiary, and will be used to survey the space environment and conduct technology demonstration, it added.

A product of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology in Beijing, also a CASC subsidiary, the Long March 2C rocket type is 43 meters long and 3.35 meters wide and has a liftoff weight of 242.5 metric tons. The rocket is mainly used to deploy satellites to low-Earth and sun-synchronous orbits.

The launch marked the 74th space mission in China and the 608th flight of the Long March rocket fleet.

Expect the unexpected with Kagtali

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Imagine this: it’s your first marriage anniversary. Your partner is at home, and you arrive, excited to surprise her. But as you walk in, you see her with someone you’ve never met or heard of before. You discover she’s having an extramarital affair. To make matters worse, you’ve already invited guests to celebrate the occasion. Now, put yourself in this situation, could you still celebrate the day? What would you do next? Isn’t it hard even to imagine?

A similar situation unfolds in Kagtali, a play currently being staged at Kausi Theatre, Kathmandu.

Written and directed by debutant Nabin Chandra Aryal, Kagtali tells the story of Shital (played by Basna Timalsina), Suraj (played by Rupesh Lama), and Bibash, Shital’s husband, played by Sabin Bhattarai. The characters find themselves entangled in an unconventional and emotionally complex encounter when they all come face-to-face under unexpected circumstances.

Blend of thriller and humour

The play, based on the crime thriller genre, not only keeps you curious about what happens next but also consistently adds elements of humor and comedy. In Kagtali, the audience can’t stop laughing throughout the performance, while simultaneously growing more curious about the consequences of the unconventional situation unfolding on stage.

This blend of suspense and humor is something rarely seen in Nepali theatre, and debutant writer-director Nabin Chandra Aryal does justice to the genre. He demonstrates how humor can be woven into even the most intense and unconventional scenarios.

Kagtali offers a refreshing take on genre-blending that Nepali theatre artists should consider exploring more in the days to come.

Kagtali wouldn’t have been this engaging and entertaining if the actors hadn’t executed their roles so well. Speaking of the performances, all ten characters deliver a phenomenal job on stage.

Awesome acting

Basna and Rupesh, in particular, impress the audience with their control over expressions and body language, especially in emotionally complex scenes.

Even as the audience and other characters burst into laughter, Basna and Rupesh manage to maintain their intense expressions, adding depth to the play’s contrasting tones.

The role played by Basna and as Shital and her aunty (played by Sushma Niraula) holds particular significance because they represents women who are well-educated and have the potential for successful careers but, due to family circumstances, are deprived of the opportunity to step outside the home and explore their individuality. Their characters becomes a voice for countless women whose aspirations are quietly buried under the weight of domestic expectations, shedding light on the silent sacrifices made in the name of tradition and duty.

Teku, played by Jiwan Dahal, steals the show with his attitude and body language. Whenever he appears or does something on stage, the audience can’t stop laughing. He’s the kind of character who might remind you of a loud and oversmart relative that almost every family has.

The conversations among the characters feel natural—they mostly talk about everyday topics like family, work, and life. This makes the play relatable and grounded in reality.

As for the setting, the play is staged in a modest rented two bedroom apartment with a balcony, where characters often step out to smoke.

One particularly charming aspect of the production is the use of classic Nepali music in the background. The playlist is impressive, featuring songs like Ma Mauntama by Om Bikram Bista and Aruna Lama’s Pohor Saal Khushi, among others.

Room for improvements

While the play overall is exceptionally well-executed, there are a few elements the creators could consider improving. Firstly, according to the calendar hanging on the right side of the stage, the play is set in 1995. However, the bookshelf on the left side contains books published after that date, for instance, Vijay Kumar’s Khusi (2014) and Bettany Hughes’s The Hemlock Cup (2010). Similarly, there is a newspaper on the table dated 1996. Additionally, there is also a scene where the character Teku sign in a cheque from Gobal IME Bank, a bank established in 2012. These inconsistencies in set details create confusion about the play’s timeline.

Secondly, one of the characters uses a real khukuri on stage. It would be better to use a prop or artificial replica instead, firstly, for safety reasons, especially since there is an intense brawl scene where things could easily go wrong.

Secondly, because theatre, by its nature, is about making the artificial feel real, not about using real objects to heighten authenticity.

Kagtali: A must watch show

The play’s ending, too, is a memorable one, cleverly crafted to challenge your assumptions and leave you thinking long after the curtain falls.

Overall, Kagtali is an exceptional show. Whether you’re having a bad day or simply looking to be entertained with a mix of thrills and laughter, Kagtali is the best choice, catch it while you can.

 

NPL: All you need to know about eight teams

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After a long held dream, for the first time in Nepal’s cricket history, a match will be played under floodlights, and parapet seating has been arranged for spectators.

Cricketers will play day-night matches under floodlights, while spectators will sit in proper seats to watch the game. As the second edition of the Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League (NPL) begins today, a new chapter in Nepali cricket will unfold.

Players, CAN officials, cricket supporters, and all Nepalis are ready to witness this moment. While the first edition of the NPL was played only during the day, in this edition 23 out of 32 will be played under the floodlights.

On Sunday, the floodlights and parapet were officially handed over to CAN. Now, the defending champions Janakpur Bolts will begin their title defense on Monday against Kathmandu Gorkhas under the floodlights.

Eight franchise teams will compete in this season’s NPL. Here’s a brief look at them:

Janakpur Bolts

Under coach Pubudu Dassanayake, Janakpur won the first season by defeating Sudurpaschim Royals in the final. Their only goal this season is to defend the title.

Janakpur has changed everything from the head coach to the logo for the second edition, but the ambition remains the same; to lift the NPL trophy again.

For the second edition, Janakpur has hired West Indies’ Shivnarine Chanderpaul as the head coach. The core squad from season one has been retained.

Nine players from the first season’s squad are still with the team, including Aasif Sheikh, captain Anil Kumar Shah, Lalit Rajbanshi, Kishore Mahato, Rupesh Singh, Shubham Khakurel, and Tul Bahadur Thapa.

However, New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham, who played a key role in their championship run last season, will not be part of the team this time.

Janakpur has released Sher Malla, Hemant Dhami, Araniko Yadav, and Aakash Tripathi, and signed Mayan Yadav, Sachin Bhatt, Bikash Aagri, and Aditya Mahato from the auction.

Foreign players include South Africans Wayne Parnell and Imran Tahir, Sri Lankans Lahiru Samarakoon and Sangeeth Cooray, Americans Lahiru Milantha and Sanjay Krishnamurthy, and Namibia’s Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton.

Janakpur Squad: Aasif Sheikh, Anil Kumar Shah, Lalit Rajbanshi, Kishore Mahato, Rupesh Singh, Shubham Khakurel, Tul Bahadur Thapa, Mayan Yadav, Sachin Bhatt, Bikash Aagri, Aditya Mahato, Lahiru Milantha, Wayne Parnell, Imran Tahir, Lahiru Samarakoon, Sanjay Krishnamurthy, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Sangeeth Cooray.

Sudurpaschim Royals

Sudurpaschim will play its second season under the guidance of Jagat Tamata, one of Nepal’s most successful domestic coaches. The team includes national players like Dipendra Singh Airee and Aarif Sheikh, along with experienced names Binod Bhandari, Abinash Bohora, and Ishan Pandey.

They have retained foreign players Scott Kuggeleijn and Harmit Singh from last season, and have signed Australian batters Chris Lynn and Josh Brown.

Sudurpaschim has signed only four foreign players so far, though teams can sign up to six. With these signings, their squad looks balanced.

Lynn will open the innings, supported by Binod  Bhandari and Ishan Pandey.
In the middle order are captain Dipendra Singh Airee, Aarif Sheikh, and Josh Brown, with Deepak Bohora and Milan Bohora as options.

In pace bowling, they have last season’s highest wicket-taker Scott Kuggeleijn, along with Abinash Bohora and Hemant Dhami. Talent-hunt recruit Hikmat Mahara is also in the squad.

Spin options include American Harmit Singh and Naren Saud, with captain Dipendra also contributing.

Sudurpaschim Squad: Dipendra Singh Airee, Binod Bhandari, Aarif Sheikh, Ishan Pandey, Abinash Bohora, Naren Saud, Hemant Dhami, Deepak Bohora, Milan Bohora, Dipendra Thapa, Tek Rawat, Hikmat Mahara, Chris Lynn, Josh Brown, Scott Kuggeleijn, Harmit Singh.

Karnali Yaks

Led by Nepal’s most experienced player, Sompal Kami, Karnali won four of their seven league matches last season.

They have retained their core group and continued with head coach Gyanendra Malla.

Retained players include Sompal Kami, Gulshan Jha, Nandan Yadav, Arjun Gharti, Bipin Sharma, Dipendra Rawat, and Yunish Bikram Thakuri.

Karnali has signed all-rounder Pawan Sarraf, spinner Yuvraj Khatri, and bowlers Deepak Dumre and Imran Sheikh from the auction.

Australian all-rounder William Bosisto has been retained after his good performance last season.

Karnali Squad: Sompal Kami, Gulshan Jha, Nandan Yadav, Arjun Gharti, Bipin Sharma, Dipendra Rawat, Yunish Thakuri, Pawan Sarraf, Yuvraj Khatri, Imran Sheikh, Deepak Dumre, William Bosisto, Mark Watt, Max O’Dowd, Najibullah Zadran, Priyank Panchal.

Chitwan Rhinos

Kushal Malla remains Chitwan’s marquee player. They retained six players from last season and continued with experienced overseas cricketers Ravi Bopara and Sohail Tanvir.

They strengthened their foreign lineup by signing England’s Dawid Malan and Saif Ali Zaib, the top performer for Sudurpaschim last season.

Chitwan also brought back Bipin Rawal and Ranjit Kumar from the auction. Medium pacer Kamal Singh Airee, who missed the first season due to injury, returns to the squad.

They have added five more foreign players, making the squad strong in all positions, particularly top order, middle order, and pace bowling.

However, they lack specialist spinners and rely mostly on part-timers.

Chitwan Squad: Kushal Malla, Kamal Singh Airee, Rijhan Dhakal, Deepak Bohora, Amar Singh Routela, Gautam KC, Dev Khanal, Arjun Saud, Bipin Acharya, Ranjit Kumar, Bipin Rawal, Ravi Bopara, Sohail Tanvir, Dawid Malan, Saif Ali Zaib, Alpesh Ramjani.

Kathmandu Gorkhas

Kathmandu retained six players including marquee player Karan KC. They added Mohammad Adil Alam Ansari and four others in the mini-auction.

They have signed six foreign players, including Namibia’s captain Gerhard Erasmus.

They strengthened their coaching staff by hiring India’s former Nepal head coach Monty Desai, who will be assisted by Basanta Shah Thakuri.

They have recruited English wicketkeeper John Simpson, South African wicketkeeper Ricardo Vasconcelos, and all-rounders Milind Kumar and Sunny Patel.

Erasmus, Milind Kumar, and Sunny Patel are spin all-rounders. Nepali spinners Shahab Alam and Dipesh Kandel will support them.

Karan KC and Rashid Khan are pace bowling all-rounders. Kathmandu has added Adil Alam from the auction to balance the pace department.

Kathmandu Squad: Karan KC, Bhim Sharki, Shahab Alam, Dipesh Kandel, Rashid Khan, Pratik Shrestha, Adil Alam, Uttam Magar, Aakash Tripathi, Tul Bahadur Thapa, Santosh Yadav, Sonu Devkota, Gerhard Erasmus, Milind Kumar, Ben Charlesworth, John Simpson, Ricardo Vasconcelos, Sunny Patel.

Biratnagar Kings

Biratnagar made headlines last season by signing New Zealand star Martin Guptill. This season, the team has drawn even more attention.

With Sandeep Lamichhane as their marquee player, Biratnagar signed South African superstar Faf du Plessis, creating huge excitement.

They retained Guptill and also signed South African fast bowler Marchant de Lange, Australian Sam Hain, American Shubham Ranjane, and Scotland’s George Munsey.

Nepali batters Lokesh Bam and Naren Bhatt have been retained, while Shankar Rana has been signed from the auction. All-rounders Basir Ahmed and Narayan Joshi are also in the team.

Biratnagar will play three foreign batters at the top: Guptill/Faf du Plessis, Munsey, and Hain.

Faf du Plessis will miss some early matches due to his involvement in the Abu Dhabi T10 League from November 18.

In bowling, Biratnagar has Sandeep Lamichhane, Suryata Tamang, Subash Bhandari, and Basir Ahmed for spin, while Pratish GC is the domestic pace option. Marchant de Lange has been signed to strengthen pace.

Biratnagar Squad: Sandeep Lamichhane, Lokesh Bam, Pratish GC, Basir Ahmed, Naren Bhatt, Subash Bhandari, Suryata Tamang, Sahil Patel, Narayan Joshi, Sarwan Kisku, Shankar Rana, Ayush Neupane, Faf du Plessis, George Munsey, Sam Hain, Martin Guptill, Marchant de Lange, Shubham Ranjane.

Pokhara Avengers

Although Pokhara Avengers had a strong team in the first season, they underperformed. For the second season, the franchise has rebranded everything from logo to overall branding.

Nepal national opener Kushal Bhurtel is their marquee player. Pokhara has retained seven players from last season.

They prioritized local players in the auction, signing young batter Arjun Kumal and Nepal U-19 players Sandeep Chhetri , Krishna Poudel, and Abhishek Tiwari.

Jimmy Neesham, who won the title with Janakpur last season, will play for Pokhara this season. Pokhara has also signed England’s Adam Rossington, Dan Douthwaite, Barbados’s Raymon Reifer, and England’s Jason Roy.

Kushal Bhurtel, Dinesh Kharel, and Rossington strengthen the top order, while young Arjun Kumal is a promising option.

In the middle order, Neesham will be supported by Tritt Raj Das and Kiran Thagunna and Abhishek Tiwari is another option.

Spin duties will be handled by Sagar Dhakal and Bipin Karki, while medium pacer Akash Chand leads the pace attack.

Pokhara Squad: Kushal Bhurtel, Dinesh Kharel, Sagar Dhakal, Akash Chand, Tritt Raj Das, Bipin Khatri, Kiran Thagunna, Arjun Kumal, Sandeep Chhetri , Krishna Paudel, Abhishek Tiwari, Adam Rossington, Raymon Reifer, Dan Douthwaite, Jimmy Neesham, Jason Roy.

Lumbini Lions

Under captain Rohit Paudel, Lumbini Lions aim to forget their disappointing first season and produce strong performances this year.

They have changed their logo, team colors, and head coach for the second season. They have also made major changes to their foreign players.

Along with captain Rohit, Lumbini retained Sandeep Jora, Bibek Yadav, Dinesh Adhikari, Abhishes Gautam, and Tilak Bhandari. Injured Vivek Yadav has been replaced by Sumit Maharjan.

They have signed medium pacer Durgesh Gupta, along with Dilip Nath, Sher Malla, Adil Khan, and Bishal Patel from the auction.

Lumbini has revamped its coaching staff by appointing India’s Robin Singh as mentor and Tinu Yohannan as head coach. Shakti Gauchan continues as consultant coach.

Their foreign signings include Australian opener D’Arcy Short, Afghanistan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, Italy’s Thomas Draca, Namibia’s Ruben Trumpelmann, and Namibia all-rounder JJ Smit.

Lumbini Squad: Rohit Paudel, Sandeep Jora, Dinesh Adhikari, Abhishes Gautam, Tilak Bhandari, Sumit Maharjan, Durgesh Gupta, Dilip Nath, Sher Malla, Adil Khan, Bishal Patel, D’Arcy Short, Thomas Draca, Gulbadin Naib, Ruben Trumpelmann, JJ Smit.

NPL: Janakpur bolts face Kathmandu Gurkhas in season opener today

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Defending champions Janakpur Bolts and Kathmandu Gurkhas are facing each other in the opening match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) beginning today. The match will start at 4 pm at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

In the first edition of the NPL, Janakpur had comfortably defeated Kathmandu. Janakpur, which was then led by Pubudu Dassanayake, former coach of the Nepali national team, will now play under the leadership of West Indies’ Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

Likewise, Kathmandu has appointed India’s Monti Desai as the head coach for the second edition. Desai is also the former chief coach of the Nepali national team.

TU Cricket Ground lights up for first-ever full floodlight test

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All six floodlights at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, have been switched on for testing.

On Saturday, the lights of all six floodlight towers were turned on at the stadium for the first time. With all six lights, the TU ground looked bright and impressive.

The upcoming Nepal Premier League (NPL) cricket tournament appears fully ready to be played under floodlights. This is the first time a match is set to be played under floodlights at the TU Cricket Ground.

Gearing up for WordCamp Nepal 202

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WordCamp Nepal 2025 is schelduled on April 4 and April 5 with an aim to enhance the participants’ career, stay updated on industry trends and connect with a vibrant community. The event is taking place at Kundalini Durbar, Chandol, Kathmandu.

According to a press statement, the event features a rich agenda of workshops, knowledge-sharing sessions, and discussions on the latest WordPress plugins, tech innovations, and future trends. Beyond being a WordPress gathering, it offers a unique platform to launch careers, connect with leading companies, and network with industry experts. Attendees can explore job opportunities, meet industry leaders, and gain valuable insights to advance their careers.

It adds that on April 4, Contributor Day will engage participants in the open-source WordPress project, fostering collaboration and learning for both newcomers and seasoned professionals. April 5th is Conference Day, offering sessions tailored for all skill levels. “It provides an ideal environment for networking, idea exchange, and skill-building in various WordPress roles, including development, content creation, UX/UI design, and SEO,” the statement reads.

Technical experts will share experiences, insights on business development, and strategies for market success, guiding beginners on building careers within the WordPress ecosystem. For more details, visit https://nepal.wordcamp.org/2025/.